
Class _^>^ ^P^'f - 

Book lX2£^^ 

Copyright]^" J70 f 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Know Thyself 

and Other Poems 



By 

Adelle E. Burch 



COPYRIGHT 1908 

ADELLE E BURCH 

BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN 

BURCH PRINTING COMPANY 

1909 



My Husba?id 

Who is that man with dark brown hair, 
And forehead so divinely fair, 
With such a happy, peaceful air? 
My husband. 

Who is it rises first at morn, 
And treats us all with laughing scorn? — 
'Cause we're ambitious — in a horn — 
My larger half. 

Who calls me darling, says I'm sweet, 
And that miy cooking can't be beat? — 
Thus coaxing for some extra treat — 
My sweetheart. 

Who likes to tease and hector me, 
Or pulls me down upon his knee, 
And laughs when I say, *' Let me be? " 
My great big boy. 

Who is it cons my verses o'er. 
And finds of faults full many a score, 
Then helps me with his greater lore ? 
My critic.^ }'\ 

Who is the best man that I know, 
Who's quick to love, to anger slow, 
Who's kind alike to high and low? 
My darling. 

Such tender care he takes of me, 
He's just as good as he can be; 
Do not forget this when you see — 
My husband. 



CJ.A252743 



To My Readers 

Among those who read my book I hope to 
find some friends, who will love these children of 
my heart and brain even as I have loved them; and 
if they bring to you one half the help, comfort and 
pleasure they have brought to me, I shall indeed, be 

My verse writing is not the outcome of am- 
bition, but was a Christmas gift to me. The coming 
of this gift may be of interest, as a psychological 
experience, to some of my unknown friends, show- 
ing them that the *' gate of gifts " does not close for 
us even when we have passed the days of youth. 
Previous to the age of thirty-seven, I had not writ- 
ten a line of verse; but Christmas day of that year, 
while dreamily turning the leaves of an old scrap- 
book, I found lines I had never read, repeating 
themselves in my mind. At first I was startled, 
then my impulse was to see if 1 could write a love 
poem; but this thought came — ** If this gift is mine 
it is from the Spirit, and to the Spirit should go the 
first-fruits.** 1 had but to listen, when a song of 
praise sang through my mind, dissolving the walls 
that had seemed to hem in existence; then on that 
same day, came the first love poem. The ** gift" 
is still mine, and highly prized, for it has taught me 
many things relative to life and literature. 

As a mother loves her own without troubling 
herself as to how many brighter, better children 
there may be in the world, even so do I feel about 
these poems; and I send them forth with the ear- 
nest desire that they may bless other hearts, as they 
have already blessed mine. 

Adelle E. Burch. 



Index 



Know Thyself 

Shining Hours 

Forgetting Those Things 

Our Refuge 

''Come Unto Me" 

Light in Darkness 

Reassurance 

Perfect Love 

Close to God 

Let Out the Sunshine 

''All is Good" 

Our Pattern 

A Prayer 

My Offering 

Peace 

Darkness and Light 

Awake! Beloved 

Transmutation 

An Easter Lesson 

My Soul Hath Seen 

Release 

Omnipresence 

Naught to Fear 

Message of the Birds 

Fuzzy-Wuzzy 

Love's Fountain 



Which 



are 



Behi 



The Awakening 


48 


Too Sensitive 


51 


My Babies 


53 


The Wages of Sin— Is It Death? 


55 


Two Pictures 


58 


The Fourth of July Cracker 


59 


The King's Garden 


61 


Kitty Gray's Story 


65 


Xanthippe 


72 


The Fairy's Guerdon 


74 


A Perfect Day 


75 


The Double Choice 


76 


My Magical Home 


79 


A Frolic 


80 


Water Lilies 


82 


The Legend of St. Valentine 


84 


Those Pippins 


87 


A Dream 


89 


Love Knows No Death . 


91 


To James Whitcomb Riley 


93 


A Morning Resolve 


95 


The Blessed Isles 


97 


Kicking 


100 


Misunderstood 


102 


To My Happy Girl 


104 


Mother Love 


105 


A Picture 


106 


The Way to **Get There" 


108 



Lesson of the Orange Tree 

To an Imperial Potentate and Wife 

Memorial Day 

To Father, on His Birthday 

To Mother, on Her Birthday 

A Summer Day's Lesson 

Ballade of Fashion's Slave 

Autumn 

Your World and Mine 

To Harry 

A Secret Revealed 

Tilla 

Love's Song 

Love's Coming 

True Forgiveness 

May We Be Worthy ! 

Let Your Soul Answer 

The Only One? 

Love's Consecration 

Do I Love You? 

Queen of the Roses 

To Gertrude 

To My Mate 

Love's Demand 

The Mystic Tie 

To Maude 

A Changeling 

Friendship 



The Jewel 


157 


Passion — Friendship 


1S8 


A May Day Melody 


159 


A Letter 


160 


So Comes My Love 


162 


Birthday Song 


164 


Enfold Me in Thy Arms 


165 


Life and Love 


166 


The Wedding Day 


171 


A Singing Bird 


172 


False — His Cry, Her Plea 


173 


The Letter 


180 


A Valentine to Love 


181 



Know Thyself and Other 
Poems 



Know Thyself 

A New Year dawns for all, and for my part 
'^ -^ I long to make it better than the old ; 
I pray for wisdom that shall guide my steps, 
And search within, without, and in the past, 
For knowledge that shall help me gain this end. 
Here is a motto found on ancient walls. 
And taught by mystics in the days of old; 
'Tis ** Know thyself." Does this inscription hold 
A vital truth of worth to-day, as then? 
To know myself, — what can it mean to me? 
Which self? The self men see and criticise, 
The self which in its turn does fret and fume. 
Or oft sinks down in weak discouragement? 
Or that best self that loves, and hopes, and prays? 
What am I? Here is a mirror: let me 



KNOW THYSELF 



Stand and gaze, and see what may be learned. 

An upright figure, with an earnest face, 

Eyes that would see the very heart of things; 

The face now smiling, and now strangely sad ; 

Hands that move here and there in swift obedience 

To some inner power that is not seen. 

I gaze, and gaze, and on my consciousness 

Dawns this great truth, that what I see reflected 

In the glass is but the picturing forth 

Of that strange inner self that uses 

As an instrument this which we see and touch. 

Then if this body merely mirrors forth 

The self which is within, what then? Then 'tis 

This inner self which we must learn to know. 

** As a man thinketh,*' it has oft been said, 

** So is he,'' to himself and to all men. 

See how that face reflected in the glass 

Answers to every thought with quick response — 

Now sad with thought of discord or of pain. 

Or bright with hope, or joy, or love's sweet bliss, 

And as I look, and wonder at it all, 

I know this body is not I, but mine — 

Mine to direct and use as I see fit. 

If this be true, and surely it must be. 

Then am I spirit, like my Maker, God, 



□ 



KNOW THYSELF 



And one with Him in the creative power. 

How Httle have I known this wondrous truth, 

Else were this temple, where 1 safely dwell, 

Builded with greater care, and more in line 

With the all-perfect pattern of our Lord. 

Now I, at last, have learned why 'tis we're told 

To know ourselves. If we do know our power 

We'll cease to drift, and turn our prow at once 

Toward life, and light, and love — the haven sweet, 

That all desire to make, yet drifting, miss. 

As I think, I am. Thought, then, is what I use 

To work my will, and by this unseen force 

Make manifest what else were hid from view ; 

This thought of mine must follow the same law 

That rules creative force on every plane. 

The oak tree, through the acorn, brings to birth 

Another oak; the grain of corn increases oft 

A hundredfold, and so on through all life. 

So I will put the past from out my mind. 

The past wherein I erred through ignorance; 

And I will face, with happy, trustful heart. 

The glad New Year; and from my every thought 

Will banish anger, hate, and blighting fear. 

That vile, unwholesome brood that poisons life. 

And brings unrest and discord to all men ; 



4 



KNOW THYSELF 



While sid and gloomy thoughts shall find no hold, 

For I will fill this inner world of mine, 

This world where I am king and reign supreme, 

With all things beauteous, and fair, and good. 

With hope, and joy, and kindly thoughts for all; 

And love divine, the choicest gift of heaven, 

Then freely will I give from this rich store 

To all who come my way; give gentle words 

And happy smiles, and if they'll pause to hear. 

Will tell them who they are and what their power. 

That they, too, may rejoice. 

Ah, yes! I know that while the truth of this 

May break with sudden splendor on the mind. 

Still 'tis by patient plodding up the "steep," 

By strenuous conflict with our wayward thoughts, 

That we attain these soul-pacific heights. 

But oh! the glory of the work complete — 

The radiant health of body and of soul. 

The paths of peace wherein our feet shall tread, 

The heaven on earth which shall be ours for aye. 

Thanks, ancient teachers, for your true, trite words; 
Tliey point the way to all the heart holds dear. 
I've found the secret that shall make life blest, 
And face the New Year with my soul at peace. 



I I I SHININGHOURS | [T~| 



Shining Hours 

f~\W\ the lilting, shim' ring, shining 
^^ Of the hours filled with love, 
They make the radiant lining 
Of the clouds we see above. 

And we revel in their beauty, 

Like the bees among the flowers, 

And the erstwhile, irksome duty 
Is transfigured like the hours. 

Can our hearts know fuller measure 
Of this joy, or see more light? 

Does life hold a richer treasure? 
Can we reach a greater height.^ 

Ah! the holy, peaceful hours 

When our hearts are raised above. 

To the One who richly 'dowers 
All our life with joy and love. 

Hours filled with faithful seeking 
For the highest truth and right, 

Hours when our God is speaking 
To our souls with silent might. 



[ 6 I I SHINING HOURS ~] f"^ 

These the hours that crown ail others; 

These the hours that help us see 
That mankind are truly brothers, 

These the hours that make us free. 



I I I FORGETTING THOSE THINGS | | 7 \ 

Forgetting Those Things Which Are 
Behind 

Phil. 3:13-14 

T will forget the things that are behind, 

They only hamper when I would be free; 
Their memory casts a shadow on my mind, 
Where, Lord, I wish to mirror only Thee. 

What matter if I failed to win the day 

When meeting with the tempter in the past, 

If, in the wrong and suffering of the way, 
I learned the value of Thy peace at last. 

When in the symphony of life's great song 
I strike a discord, as a learner may, 

I will forget, and not the ill prolong, 
But try, and try again, from day to day. 

Forward, still forward, toward the mark I press, 
The darkness left behind, the light more near; 

Thy promise sure doth comfort me and bless. 
Thy ever present presence keeps from fear. 

Yea, Lord, I will forget the things behind, 
The burden of the past I leave with 1 hee. 

And, like a happy child with care free mind, 
Will sing the praise of Him who set me free* 



OUR REFUGE 



Our Refuge 

T TP! up to the heights where the Infinite dwelleth, 
^-^^ Leave the earth-planes of discord, and sorrow, 

and pain; 
It is true, O my soul, that your home is in heaven, 
When you dwell there you know that the Lord 
God doth reign. 

'Tis so strange, O my soul, that you e'er should 
forget this. 

Should forsake for one moment your heritage vast. 
Should pine, or grow weary, or fret over trifles. 

Or be anxious and fearful, or grieve o'er the past. 

You know there's a strength that is always unfailing, 
A power you know that from good works to best, 

A haven you know where earth's storms can reach 
not, 
So fly to its shelter and there be at rest. 

You know, O my soul, that each sorrow that finds you 
Has come with a message to guide to this goal; 

That if discord should torture, or distrust should 
wound you. 
They but bid you to bide in this home of the soul. 



I I I OUR REFUGE 



So up to the heights where Love Divine fails not. 

But shines with a glory transcending the sun, 
Where you know you are one with the life that's 
eternal, 
And bide there in patience till earth's storms be 
done. 

**The prelude to power is patience,'' says wisdom, 
**It brings us a peace that the world does not 
know," 

And in this fair haven we learn all the meanings 
Of life in its fullness apart from earth's woe. 

Then even the discords will change into music 
That blesses the soul with its harmonies sweet. 

And blends with the chorus that's sung by immor- 
tals— 
That chorus that sings of a life all complete. 

Then up, O my soul, to these heights of the spirit. 
And know you are one with the Lord of all life ; 

These blessings are yours to be had for the claiming — 
So rise in your glory, away from all strife. 



10 



COME UNTO ME | | ] 



(i 



Come unto Me 



/^ Weary one, why dwell in darkness there, 
^^ Groping amid the shadows of the night; 
Why stoop *neath burdens that are none of thine 
Till, worn and heartsick, life seems naught but pain ; 
Turn thou thine eyes towards Me, for I am light, 
And seek My presence, that thou mayst be free. 
Lo ! not afar I dwell, but near, so near ; 
Lift up thine eyes and thou shalt sing for joy. 
For 'tis no stranger that is calling thee. 
But thine own Love for whom thy heart doth long. 
In My bright glory shadows find no place; 
Thus fear, and sin, and sickness are no more. 
Be one with Me, and banished is all pain ; 
Be one with Me, and life immortal know; 
Be one with Me, and dwell in joy supreme 
In conscious union with the Lord of all. 
My bliss is thine ! O soul, look up and see. 



P^ r LIGHT IN PAR KN ESS "] [jT 



Ught in Dark7tess 

IV/r AMA, I do not like the dark, 
^ -*' It will not let me play, 
My dollie does not seem the same, 
I wish 'twere always day. 

**Some big, bad thing seems coming near. 

It scares me so I cry." 
The wee one told her childish fears 

With many a sob and sigh. 

Dear one — a heartache of my own 

Had kept me from her side 
Till, save the fire's fitful gleam. 

Darkness reigned far and wide. 

Her childish grief but symboled mine, 
For earth seemed gray and drear. 

The useless darkness galled my soul, 
Grim shadows lurked full near. 

But, lifted in my loving arms. 

She cuddled to my breast, 
While I sang songs to soothe her fear, 

The songs she loved the best. 



12 I I LIGHT IN DARKNESS 

So still she lay I thought she slept 
When, **Mama, mama dear, 

The dark is good,'^ the soft voice said, 
**It makes you seem so near.*' 

The quick tears started to my eyes, 
*^ A little child shall lead;" 

With all my soul I turned to Him 
Who answers every need. 



REASSU RANGE 13 



Reassurance 

^ I ^HE Lord Almighty dwells with men to-day 
^ How blind soe'er they be, and deaf to hear; 
Covered and hid He may be, swathed by fear. 
Doubted, and still denied, whate'er men say, 
And doubted oft the most the while they pray; 

For, though they hold the name of Him most 

dear. 
They still do not believe that He is near, 
Like boon companion in the world's highway. 

Yet while men go and come through death and 
birth. 
Seeking the vision of immortal youth. 
Still dwells the Mighty One upon the earth; 

And blest, indeed, is he who knows this truth. 
Watching in meekness for the snowy dove, 
Naming the Mighty Name in joy and love. 



I 14 I I PERFECT LOVE ~[ | | 

Perfect Love 

T X ^E may talk of our love for our brother, 
^^ Of the love that brings blessing or pain. 
But the love that surpasses all other 

And that brings us nothing but gain, 
Is the love for the Spirit Eternal, 

That blesses and broadens our life; 
That blesses, and comforts, and heals us. 

That guides us, and frees from all strife. 

O Spirit of beauty most perfect, 

O Spirit of love so divine. 
One glimpse of Thy power supernal. 

Fills with rapture this being of mine. 
Thou art present the needy to cherish. 

Thy strength Thou wilt give to the weak; 
Thy hope is for all the discouraged. 

Thy healing all nations may seek. 

Thy presence is ever around us 

To answer each need as it comes; 
Thy power will uplift the fallen, 

Thy bounty awaiteth each one. 
We bless Thee, and praise Thee, O Spirit, 

We love, we adore, and we pray 
That our vision grow clearer and brighter 

Till we dwell in Thy glorious day. 



I I I CLOSE TO GqId^ 



15 



Close to God 

T ET me get close to God. My heart is yearning 
^^ For peace and safety in his sheltering arms; 
From care and trouble to His presence turning — 
There will I refuge find from all that harms. 

Let me get close to God. My heart is aching 
With disappointed hopes and lovers unrest; 

The darkness presses close, but I am waking 

To know the message that shall make me blest. 

Let me get close to God. My prayer is bringing 
The words of old so clearly to my 'mind, 

** Lo, I am with thee alway '* — heart, art singing? — 
**Even unto the end'' of fears that blind. 

Close, close to God, my bliss shall know no ending. 
If I but listen to the heavenly voice; 

Sweet is the message with the silence blending, 
I love, and listen, and in it rejoice. 

** Heart, 'tis my life alone within thee beating. 
Nearer than hands and feet I am to thee; 

I am thy very soul that seeks the meeting 

Of love and knowledge that shall set thee free. 



16 



CLOSE TO GOD | | | 



** Get close to me. I'm absent from thee never, 
In Me thou Hvest and I am the Way; 

So be at rest from striving now and ever, 

And sing thy songs of gladness day by day. 



LET OUT THE SUNSHINE | | 17 | 



het Out the Sunshine 

/^H! the sunshine of God's presence 
^^ It is ever, ever here, 
Not in some far misty heaven. 
But so very, very near. 

In our hearts' own inner chamber, 
'Neath the worry and the doubt, 

Let us free the prisoned splendor, 
Let it out, yes, let it out ! 

Clear away the useless worry 
And the rubbish of our fear, 

That the inner glory, shining. 
May illumine, help, and cheer. 

Let it out in deeds of mercy 

To the erring and the sad. 
Or in words of loving kindness 

To the gloomy or the glad. 

Then the giving and the sunshine 

Shall return a hundredfold. 
Till the Presence fills our vision 

With the glory seen of old. 



18 



ALL IS GOOD I I I 



^' All Is Good " 

IX/T ASTER, why do you say that '* All is good'' 
^ ^ When sickness, sin and death are everywhere? 
There is some good I know, yes, much that's good; 
But all in vain with longing heart I seek 
The great perfection that you teach to all. 
I leave your side with these words in my ears 
To meet some cripple standing by the way — 
One whose sad face belies your words of cheer, 
Or haply 'tis some drunkard reeling home 
To wife and children wretched through his sin. 
Or some poor child of nature brought to grief 
By love of man or lust of idle show. 
Homes that should be a paradise on earth, 
Made hells by temper, jealousy, or pride. 
Can I say, **A11 is good" when such things be. 
Or death takes from me what I love the best? 
You say that if my thoughts are good and pure. 
My words the same, that I will lovely grow 
And loving acts flow from me toward all men, 
That joy will be my portion all my days. 
I feel this true, and yet the loving heart 
Is ofttimes wrung by pain, oft feels the hurt 



I I I ALL IS GOOD ~] [U] 

Caused by the venomed dart by malice aimed. 
And if, indeed, my own life were immune 
That is but part. Then what about the whole— 
The weary, sinning, suffering, dying world 
Whose sorrows make the tragedies of life? 
Master, I seek the truth, though I seem blind. 
I love your teaching though I know not why, 
Since what I see gainsays your every word. 
But if it be a way exists for all, 
Whereby escape is made from all these ills. 
Be patient with me and direct my steps. 

Child, have you listened, lo, these many days. 
Without one hint of what these words may mean? 
Has not your soul caught glimpses of a light 
Wherein earth's ills dissolve to nothingness? 
A light that is a Presence pure, supreme, 
A light so real that naught else exists. 
And in that Presence have you not cried out — 
Feeling the words to be supremely true — 
Yes, "All is good, " my peace is found at last. 
For now I waken from earth's troubled dream? 
Trust you these gleams of light, for they presage 
The dawn that ushers in the perfect day. 
Sing and be glad; unreal are earth's woes. 



20 



ALL IS GOOD 



□ 



And men are waking to this wondrous truth; 

Search not in dreams for life's realities, 

But search and love the words of truth proclaimed 

By. those who stand in the eternal day, 

With vision opened to what really is. 

'Tis not instruction in the things which seem 

So very real to the ignorant mind, 

But the escape I teach, for all are free 

And need but to awaken to be glad. 

Master, your words have quickened in my soul. 

And like a sword have pierced my mortal thought; 

I see I am not what I had supposed, 

A victim born to sorrow and despair. 

A strange delight steals through my consciousness. 

And such a sense of freedom thrills me through 

As almost startles with excessive joy. 

Have I a right to this when others grieve? 

To walk in freedom when my friends are bound? 

To bathe in light while others dwell in gloom? 

Teach me their freedom as you have my own. 

For oh ! I love, and love seeks good for all. 

Peace, child, and let your joy be full and free; 
Your anxious thought will all be laid aside, 



□ 



ALL IS GOOD 



21 



As clearer vision breaks upon your mind. 
The dream state lingers for a little space, 
But joy will speed the vision till you see 
All life is one, and every wakened soul 
Spreads swift its gladness through the waiting world. 
To dream with dreamers lessens not their dream; 
But if awake, perchance they'll hear your call, 
As rapturous song of bird at early morn 
Awakes the sleepers to the light of day. 
Freedom's the message that makes glad the soul- 
Freedom from sin and sickness, fear and death. 
From every bondage known to mind of man. 
All life is bliss when once it knows itself, 
So wonder not that when the vision breaks 
Ever so dimly upon waiting minds, 
That straightway they forget the things they've 

known. 
And sing in ecstasy of life and love. 



OUR PATTERN | | | 



Oicr Pattern 

^ I ""HE fair sweet vision of the perfect one, 

^ It haunts us all, and when we think we've found 
This fair ideal in some dear friend enshrined, 
We pause and pay our loving homage. 
For a short time the outlines seem to blend 
And human and divine we think are one; 
But brighter still our fair ideal grows. 
And larger to our view, while we mistake 
And think our friend hath shrunk or failed us. 
Ah, foolish are we when we look without, 
Expecting other men to fill our souls 
With the bright glory that we worship so. 
These gleams are radiance cast by our true self, 
The self made in the image of our God ; 
And OURS, not other men's, the task divine. 
Of filling in the outline pure and grand. 
And showing forth the vision to the world. 



I I I A PRAYER ~| I 23 | 

A Prayer 

C\ Father, give me peace! 

^^ My soul is weary of the restless world, 

And looks to Thee alone for strength and comfort. 

I do not mean to wander from Thy side, 

But the bright flowers, or the tempting fruits 

Arrest my steps, or lure me from the path — 

The path of duty, pure, and straight, and plain, 

And glorious with Ihy dear presence; 

But 1 cannot wander far ere my tired 

Feet stumble, and I fall. 

The tempting fruits all have a bitter taste. 

And the bright flowers wither and perish. 

Or are snatched from me by some stronger hand; 

I call for help to those around me, but 

They do not hear, or answer with a laugh. 

How glad I am that I can come to Thee 

Who giveth needed help and tender care. 

Take Thou my hand and hold me close to Thee; 

Let me not wander from Thy loving side, 

But let Thy will be mine; 

Then shall new strength through all my being flow. 

And all my life grow beautiful and pure. 

Oh! ecstasy of life, at one with Thee! 



24 



MY OFFERING | | | 



My Offering 

TNFINITE Spirit, grand creative Cause, 

'*' Ruler of all this wondrous universe. 

Thou at whose bidding mighty beings move 

In swift glad service to the sons of men, 

Accept the offering of my heart and life. 

I do not wait until the snows of age 

Have chilled my heart, or robbed me of my strength, 

But in the young fresh beauty of my youth. 

While life, and hope, and love, glow in my breast, 

I come to Thee, offering my glad allegiance. 

With my whole soul delight I in Thy law. 

For all Thy law is love, and works for good. 

So let my life be lived in sweet accord 

With the harmonic heaven of truth and worth, 

And let my eye be clear, my ear be quick. 

To know thy message when it comes to me, 

Whether Thy messenger be clothed in flesh, 

Or with the finer tissues of the air. 

Cleanse Thou my soul from every selfish taint; 

Make pure my lips that they may speak Thy word ; 

And let Thy gift of healing flow through me 

To aid and bless the suffering ones of earth. 



I 



I I I MYQFFERING | | 25 | 

So shall I find the highest joy of life 
In doing this. Thy will, from day to day. 
And to Thy power will I render praise, 
Father of all, my help, my hope, my stay. 



26 



PEACE I I I 



Peace 

"The peace which passeth all understanding. " 

^nr^HY brooding peace, Spirit of Love divine, 
^ Fills all my conscious thoughts with joy su- 
preme ; 
The unity of life unfolds to view, 
Showing the harmony of all that is. 
In this deep stillness symphonies divine 
Breathe on my inner ear, and I perceive 
That this sweet, silver thread of melody 
Weaves in and out through all the ills of life. 
This strain of music from the heavenly realm. 
The loving soul, listening in meekness, may 
Forever hear, and know that all is well. 



DARKNESS AND LIGHT | | 27 | 



Darkness and Light 

^ I ''HE day seemed gray and drear, as in my heart 
^ I mused on life and all its cares and troubles — 
On the sickness, poverty and wrong 
With which our world is filled; and as I mused. 
It seemed to me that chaos reigned supreme; 
That all the light there was but served to show 
The awful misery that compassed man. 
As I looked, my soul grew sick within me; 
The burdens that were mine were lost to view. 
While my whole soul was filled with yearning love 
For all this teeming mass of wretchedness. 
And with a mighty cry for mercy, mercy. 
To Him men say doth reign on high in justice, 
I closed my eyes and tried to still my thoughts, 
And so escape this horror of great darkness. 
How long 1 lay in that half-swooning state 
I know not; but at last I heard a voice 
That gently murmured, "Peace, troubled spirit, 

peace." 
The words brought sweet refreshment to my soul. 
Like unto softly falling rain on parched earth. 
And, opening wide my eyes, I gazed in awe 
At him who stood beside me clothed in light; 



30 



DARKNESS AND LIGHT | | j 



Whether in line with the all-perfect power 

Of light and love, or in the dark negation 

Of despair and hate. 

Each soul will sometime learn this wondrous truth, 

And then will come to earth sweet peace and joy, 

And good will reign supreme. Let each one claim 

This perfect heritage of love and life, 

And, claiming, make it manifest to all; 

And if, in days to come, a doubt creeps in 

As to the truth of this great law of life. 

Just look around you at the ways of men : 

Mark you the man who dwells in thoughts of hate. 

How face and form bear record of that thought; 

Or, see the sunny, happy face of one 

Whose thoughts are filled with love, and truth, and 

joy. 
Most men are merely drifting on life's sea, 
Each passing breeze, be it of love or hate. 
Wafts them which way it will, they know not why. 
But to you is given the boon you craved — 
Take this transcendent truth and ponder it, 
Keeping your face turned steadfast toward the light, 
No matter what befalls; and, living the truth, 
Its radiance will shine through you to the world. 
And erstwhile dreary places will grow bright, 



I I I DARKNESS AND LIGHT 



31 



And heavy hearts will turn to you for aid, 
As weary travelers on some dusty road 
Welcome the cooling waters of the wayside spring 
That gives fresh life and courage. Then will the 
Desert of your life blossom as doth the rose, 
And you will know within your own glad soul 
That He of old spake truly when He said, 
*The kingdom that ye seek is found within, ' 
The kingdom known as heaven, and none doth 

reign 
In that glad place save One whom we call God, 
The Good. Rely on that one Power, and all is 

well " 



I 32 I I AWAKE! BELOVED | [ | 



Ai^ake! Beloved 

QING, sing the praises of the living God 
^ Whose conscious presence is eternal bliss. 
Sing, sing of freedom and immortal life. 
Awake, O man, and know your true estate. 
Then sing with me the great deliverance. 
Let sleep's hypnotic spell of birth and death, 
The dreams of sin and sorrow, pain and loss. 
Be quite forgotten in your present joy. 
You are not mortal, bound by leaden chains; 
You are not prisoned in a house of death. 
But living spirit, pure as morning light. 
And quite as hard to bind, unless you sleep. 
The hving God is not a God of death; 
The omnipresent God is not away. 
But present, ever present, with us all. 
In this infinitude of perfect love. 
We live, we move, we dwell in ecstasy. 
Awake! beloved, and rejoice with me; 
Awake ! beloved, fear the dreams no more. 
Come, let us sing the song of victory — 
The song of life and love; sing, sing, oh, sing! 



I I I TRANSMUTATION | [TT] 

Transmutation 

* I ""HE weeks, the months speed on, the New 

Year comes. 
And we will make it better than the old, 
Yet will not sit and weep o'er failures made, 
Nor feel condemned for faults we know are ours. 
Why should we, when these very faults that pain. 
Break up the crust of smooth, self satisfied. 
But foolish pride that keeps us from our kind, 
And goad and chasten with relentless hand 
Till we stand meekly in this world of ours. 
We strive to curb our wayward passions — 
And, failing, stand abashed; then, while we grieve 
Through the rent wall of our fair conceit, 
A prisoned angel steps forth to the light, 
Speaking of others' failures in a way 
That changes cold indifference and scorn 
To sweet compassion and a love for all. 
Aye, we have need to thank each fault despised. 
For, as a bird breaks through the shell 
At weakest point of the restraining wall. 
So throir^^h the mortal self that hems us in, 
At point too weak to bolster up with pride. 
Divinity comes forth to crown the life. 



H 



AWAKE! BELOVED 



Ai^ake! Beloved 

QING, sing the praises of the living God 
*^ Whose conscious presence is eternal bliss. 
Sing, sing of freedom and immortal life. 
Awake, O man, and know your true estate. 
Then sing with me the great deliverance. 
Let sleep's hypnotic spell of birth and death, 
The dreams of sin and sorrow, pain and loss. 
Be quite forgotten in your present joy. 
You are not mortal, bound by leaden chains; 
You are not prisoned in a house of death. 
But living spirit, pure as morning light, 
And quite as hard to bind, unless you sleep. 
The living God is not a God of death; 
The omnipresent God is not away. 
But present, ever present, with us all. 
In this infinitude of perfect love, 
We live, we move, we dwell in ecstasy. 
Awake! beloved, and rejoice with me; 
Awake ! beloved, fear the dreams no more. 
Come, let us sing the song of victory — 
The song of life and love; sing, sing, oh, sing! 



I I I TRANSMUTATION | [IF] 

Transmutation 

npHE weeks, the months speed on, the New 

Year comes. 
And we will make it better than the old, 
Yet will not sit and weep o'er failures made, 
Nor feel condemned for faults we know are ours. 
Why should we, when these very faults that pain. 
Break up the crust of smooth, self satisfied. 
But foolish pride that keeps us from our kind, 
And goad and chasten with relentless hand 
Till we stand meekly in this world of ours. 
We strive to curb our wayward passions — 
And, failing, stand abashed; then, while we grieve 
Through the rent wall of our fair conceit, 
A prisoned angel steps forth to the light. 
Speaking of others' failures in a way 
That changes cold indifference and scorn 
To sweet compassion and a love for all. 
Aye, we have need to thank each fault despised. 
For, as a bird breaks through the shell 
At weakest point of the restraining wall. 
So throii^rh the mortal self that hems us in. 
At point too weak to bolster up with pride. 
Divinity comes forth to crown the life. 



34 AN EASTER LESSON 



□ 



An Raster Lesson 

*'1X7HAT does Easter mean to me? *' 
^ ^ Thus I question o'er and o*er, 
And my soul begins to see 
Sweeter beauties than of yore. 

And the cry, ** The Lord hath risen, " 

Wakes a deeper echo still, 
When we know to each is given 

Power divine to rise at will. 

Power to rise above the error, 
Power to banish sin and wrong; 

Life need hold for us no terror, 
If the soul be brave and strong. 

Strong to rise in all its glory, 

As the Savior did of old; 
Brave to tell its precious story 

Of the sweetness life doth hold. 

And the flowers from earth upspringing 
Wheresoever my feet shall roam. 

To my heart are ever singing, 
** Take the Easter lesson home. 



I I I AN EASTER LESSON ~| [jT 

**Take it home and con it over, 

See, the lesson is for thee, 
We are rising from the darkness 

To the light where we are free. ' ' 

And their steady, still persisting. 
Speaks this word with gentle might, 

**Up, brave heart, all wrong resisting, 
Journey onward to the light/* 

Banished now are thoughts of sadness, 

All regrets and moods forlorn. 
And my heart is filled with gladness 

And the sunshine of the morn. 

For Tve learned my Easter lesson, 
Learned that love will still atone; 

Love brings life and true expression, 
Love gives life, and love alone. 



36 



MY SOUL HATH SEEN | | | 



My Soul Hath Seen 

1\ yTY soul hath seen the glory of the Lord, 

And henceforth dwells as In another world; 
It is as though a troubled sleep had passed, 
And night's dread darkness vanished quite away. 
The morning splendor floods my heart and soul, 
And all my being sings in rapturous joy. 
The haunting fears that ignorance bound so close 
With spectral bonds of sin, and pain, and death, 
Dissolve like shadows in the sun's bright rays. 
Awake, O world, awake to joy supreme! 
Awake to conscious freedom and to love ! 
Awake to life eternal now and here ! 
The bliss you dream of is a present thing, 
So bid the heaviness of sleep depart. 
One life there is, a life suprem.e and good; 
Its conscious knowledge Is life's ecstasy. 
Ah ! not alone mid dangers do we dwell, 
A wreck upon a boundless sea of thought 
That surges ever with a fierce unrest. 
Awake, and see the Presence which descends 
And stills all turmoil with His ** Peace, be still." 
Like sea aflame with sunset's splendid glow, 
So, but far greater, came this joy to me. 



f~ I I RELEASE 



37 



Release 

**T7EAR only fear," they say, but why fear thatj 

-*- Since in this wondrous universe of ours 
The only real Presence is pure love, 
The only Power love, the one Great Mind as welL 
Why not face forward toward this glorious light, 
And live in it and sing its songs of joy? 
The Herculean task is not for us, 
Of one by one uprooting each defect, 
Of slowly killing from the mind each sin 
And fighting in despair life's seeming ills. 
We might as well with lighted candle try 
To chase away the shadows of the night; 
Hopeless indeed our fate, if all escape 
Lay in such wrestling with the grewsome dark. 
But love itself is our release from ills 
If we but turn to it with simple faith; 
Bathe in the sunshine of its perfect light; 
Rest in the peace of knowing it supreme. 
Letting its own pure sweetness thrill through us 
Till we, like happy children, sing for joy. 
In this alembic, discord disappears. 
By love's own magic changed to harmony. 



38 



RELEASE I [^ I 



O Love Supreme, I would my life might be 
Like purest crystal to the rays of light, 
That only love might shine to all mankind; 
Banish my dreams of selfishness and sin. 
And waken me from ignorance' painful sleep. 
Not mine, but Thine, the task; mine to adore 
The mighty Power that wakens and sets free. 



I I I OMNIPRESENCE | | 39 | 



Omnipresence 

I CANNOT doubt that love attends 

My every step where'er I go, 
No matter where the way may lead, 
Thy presence, Lord, annuls each woe. 

Though clouds may gather, and the way 
Seems dark and lonely to my view, 

Still, when I call, Thy answer sweet 
Fills with a comfort, old, yet new. 

Then sing, my heart; let joy shine forth 
From happy face and love-lit eye; 

Let the transforming presence speak 
Its mighty message from on high. 

With that great presence dwells no fear, 
No sense of lack, no lingering pain; 

While satisfaction, full, complete. 
Stills all the restless search for gain. 

Thou art my refuge. Thou my peace, 
In safety dwells my soul with Thee; 

For Thou art love, and Thou art here. 
And bliss ecstatic sets me free. 



40 



naughtFto fear I PH 



Naught to Fear 

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

John 8:32 
In all times (past, present, and future) Love is the greatest thing. 

Narada Sutra 
Teere is no fear in love ; but perfect love casteth out fear. 

I. John 4:18 

\X rOULD you know the truth and be both wise 
^ ^ and free? 

Then see creation as it really is. 
A dream of dreamers-— fleeting as the wind, 
The light and shade of joy and woe — -a dream. 
Dreams, too, the changing play of birth and death; 
Then see the Self eternal that abides 
In changeless freedom, and in bliss supreme. 
Know this to be your very inmost self, 
A self untouched by ail this show of things; 
Then, as men play at cards with those they love, 
Finding a zest and gladness in the game, 
With just as merry laughter when they lose 
As when they win, for there is naught at stake, 
So should you play the gamethat we call life, 
Knowing yourself unmixed in gain or loss. 
Dream then no more that there is aught to fear, 
But know your perfect heritage of love 
Wherein is conscious safety from all ills. 



Pn I MESSAGE OF THE BIRDS | | 41 | 

Message of the Birds 

^ I ''WAS early morning, and the perfumed air 
-"- Of the bright May time was like breath of 
heaven ; 
All nature seemed to sing a song of praise 
To the great Father who sustains it all. 
Within a chamber stood a man of God, 
Whose stern, set face showed not one trace of joy; 
The whole night through he'd spent in anguished 

prayer, 
Wishing to do the will of the Most High, 
Yet fearing that his human heart still clung 
To earthly things, and failed to yield to God 
The all of love, which is His rightful due. 
'Twas an old, old struggle, and he thought it won 
Through the fierce conflict of the night just passed; 
That all the foolish hunger of the heart 
For sweet caress of wife and child, was stilled. 
And he was free from earthly ties at last. 
He left his chamber with determined will 
To serve the Lord Most High with every thought, 
And give his solemn message to the world. 
His coming to his household brought no joy; 
The merry chatter of his children ceased. 



42 



MESSAGE OF THE BIRDS | | | 



While the sweet face of his wife grew sadder still; 

And though she longed to kiss his troubled brow, 

And speak sweet words of comfort to his soul, 

Too well she knew the cold rebuff she*d meet, 

To let her loving thought find action. 

Gentle her greeting — but he gave no heed, 

So self-absorbed he was in his own thought. 

On through the garden with bowed head he passed, 

Heedless what path he chose, and stood at last 

Upon a hilltop *neath a roof of green; 

Then beauty's presence stole on ear and eye. 

And introspection yielded to its charm. 

As the sweet chorus of the whispering leaves. 

And the glad song of birds broke on his ear, 

His soul arose on wings of ecstasy 

To chant his own with nature's perfect prayer: 

** O Thou Almighty One, who reigns above, 

Accept my song of love e'en as the birds, 

For in their praise to Thee I've found the light, 

And never more shall cleave to earthly things." 

Hark! someone is calling, ** Philip, Philip." 
Is it his wife's voice calling to return? 
Surely it is — he listens once again, 
**PhiJip, Philip," comes the cry. As he turns. 



I I I MESSAGE OF THE BIRDS ~| j 43 | 

A little brown bird flutters from a tree, 
Calling ** Philip, Philip," to its mate. 
He smiled to think the pewee's plaintive note 
Should trick his sense of hearing in that way; 
Then his whole being thrilled with the great truth 
That this bird chorus grand, which rose to heaven. 
Was in its parts but love calls to their mates. 
Startled and hushed, he stood there for a space; 
Then ear and eye were quickened by the thought. 
And all things round him spoke a language new; 
Or were his own ears opened to the truth? 
The robin called — **Life is one, and life is good, 
One life, one life.*' Then carne, '* We're free you 

know,'* 
From the glad throat of scarlet tanager. 
The ringdove's tender voice said, '^A\l is good." 
The grosbeak called, '' Cheer up, cheer up, my girl." 
With that his thoughts flew home to the sweet wife 
Who'd never heard such words from, his own lips, 
But only that which chilled her tender soul. 
** Hov/ can I bring the lost light back? " he cried; 
Then his heart thrilled to the song sparrow's note 
Of ** Sweet, sweet, sweet — sweetheart" — and he 

knew. 
As if to make assurance doubly sure. 



|~44] I MESSAGE OF THE BIRDS | ["^ 

The goldfinch's curving flight next caught his eye, 
With glint of black and yellow 'neath the trees, 
And his song of, **For love is ours, you know," 
Found a glad echo in his heart of hearts. 
Then the sweet murmur of the mourning dove 
Called gently, **Who? the true, the true, the true.' ^ 
Never since boyhood's days shone sun so bright, 
And with the wood thrush sang he in his joy, 
* 'Truly love is all, truly love is all." 
With a glad heart he turned his steps toward home. 
When like merry laughter sang the bobolink, 
**Who made me merry — who made me merry? 
What do you think — what do you think? 
Say! what do you think? I was born to be jolly-— 

see?" 
As smilingly he listened to this song, 
The last faint vestige of his morbid doubt 
Was cleansed from Philip's mind, and like a dream 
Seemed all the weary struggle of the years. 
His quickened steps soon brought him to his home. 
And in his glowing eyes and outstretched arms 
His wife beheld her heaven return to earth. 
She questioned how the miracle was wrought, 
And, resting in his arms, she heard at length 
The message of the love songs of the birds. 



FUZZY-WUZZY I I 45 | 



Fuzzy- JVuzzy 

T^UZZY-WUZZY springtime, time we love the 

^ best, 

For its fuzzy-wuzzy babies give it zest; 

There are fuzzy-wuzzy leaves 

On the branches of the trees, 
And fuzzy-wuzzy birdlings in the nest. 

There are fuzzy-wuzzy chickens in the yard, 
But their scaresome muzzer always is on guard ; 

And when they should be sleeping 

They are almost always peeping, 
** 'Cause they're always awful hungry," says my 
pard. 

Fuzzy-wuzzy lambkins, awkward on their feet, 
Shaking funny little tails the while they eat; 

Fuzzy-wuzzy colts, you know. 

That grow to horses that can go, 
And fuzzy-wuzzy calves that can't be beat. 

Fuzzy-wuzzy puppies, funniest you find. 
Chewing everything of every blessed kind; 

And they'll nip you on the heel 

Till you're almost sure to squeal. 
But you love them, so you really do not mind. 



46 



FUZZY-WUZZY 1 I i 



Then the fuzzy-wuzzy kittens that are new, 
With their cunning little capers, we love too; 

They v/ill scratch, and spit, and play 

Throughout the livelong day, 
And you bet when they are hungry they will mew. 

Tve a fuzzy-wuzzy sister with no name. 

And my chum he has a bruzzer that just came; 

Oh ! the fuzzy-wuzzy spring 

Every year does treasures bring. 
And we love her, love her, love her, for the same. 



I I I LOVERS FOUNTAIN | [TTj 

Lovers Fountain 

TT AVE you heard of that fountain of pure delight 
-*- ^ Where living waters forever flow, 
How it sparkles and gleams, all silvery white, 
Or leaps toward heaven in showers of light, 
How even in darkness its waters glow? 

Have you heard of the magical power and charm 

Of these living waters, so pure and sweet. 
How drinking this nectar makes foes disarm. 
How bathing there freely protects from harm. 
How life in its presence becomes complete? 

Have you heard of the glamour of beauty that's cast 

Over all one sees by a sip from this fount. 
How those who as saints, or as saviors, are classed, 
Are those who drank deeply in days that are passed. 
How in it is strength to all trials surmount? 

Have you drunk of this fountain? Oh! then you 
know 

The mystical joy that naught else can give. 
Fear not, but drink deeply — no drop forego. 
But take all the power its waters bestow. 

And learn in its fullness your life to live. 



I 48 I I THE AWAKENING "~| | ] 

The Awakening 

** Oh, I could sing such grandeurs and glories about you! 
You have not known what you are, you have slumbered upon 
yourself all your life, your eyelids have been the same as closed 
most of the time. " 

Walt Whitman. 

1\/FY beloved is sleeping, while hour by hour 
^ ^ His servants are binding him close in their 

toils, 
They think should he wake he'll be still in their 

power, 
So they wantonly revel in misgotten spoils. 

Oh! wake my beloved, your substance they're 
wasting, 
They will ruin the beautiful house where you 
dwell, 
To your tower of strength it is time you were 
hasting, 
So wake, quickly wake, and this riot dispel. 

He is sleeping so soundly my heart beats with terror 
Lest he waken too late to obtain full control; 

I would fly to his rescue, but sly, skulking error 
Has closed every portal, and acts as patrol. 

He stirs in his slumber, my love call he hears, 
He smiles as he opens his eyes to the light; 

He casts ol? all bondage, no rebel he fears, 

He knows he is master, and right now is might. 



I I I THE AWAKENING ~| | 49 | 



Now quickly his servants obey when he speaks, 
And order from chaos is brought by his word; 

The strength of high heaven is his when he seeks, 
His cry there for justice and truth has been heard. 

The portals that error had closed are now opened, 
And truth enters in while error must fly; 

And justice now makes her abode in this mansion, 
While harmony reigns, as it reigneth on high. 

Beloved, you' ve thrilled me with joy by your waking. 
Have filled me with wonder that such strength 
could be. 

Have taught me that heaven is ours for the making, 
That each soul that wakes may be happy and free. 

You stand there transfigured in heavenly beauty. 
Each word that you utter is pure, true, and 
strong, 
You are quick to respond to the call of each duty, 
And from your bright presence is banished all 
wrong. 

Your love, O be oved, attains the supernal, 
And shines forth to all with the pureness of 
light; 



50 



THE AWAKENING ^| | | 



My heart sings with joy, for such love is eternal, 
I crown you prince royal, my king, and my 
knight. 



□ 



TOO SENSITIVE 



SI 



T^oo Sensitive 

'T^OO sensitive? No! You may thank your 
^ bright stars 

If an instrument fine is your own; 
Who wants to be stolid, to be like a clod? 

I would rather be man than a stone. 

Would your violin have any value for you 
If silent when touched by its master? 

See, it thrills with your joy, or sobs with your pain* 
And responds to your fun and your laughter. 

Then what of this instrument finer by far, 
So fine that a thought may bring pleasure? 

Shall not value increase the iiner it is. 

Till you count it your life's greatest treasure? 

The discords of music- — the discords of life, 
The presence of wisdom must banish; 

For ignorance is like the darkness of night ; 
Bring sunshine of knowledge — 'twill vanish. 

The thing you bewail is your chief source of charm 

If 'tis used for what 'twas intended; 
It also means power and business success 

When with good common sense it is blended. 



52 



TOO SENSITIVE 



□ 



Rejoice in this sensitive nature of yours, 
Have done with your morbid self pity; 

Let love and good sense take the sting from all ills — 
Be cheery, and loving, and gritty. 



MY BABIES 53 



My Babies 
To B. C. 
/^^OME, artist, and paint me a picture, 
^-^ A picture for all to see ; 

'Tis of two little innocent darlings — 

My babies that used to be. 
The picture I send you to copy 

Is faded, and dim, and old. 
With scarcely a trace of the beauty 

Of these lambkins of my fold. 

'Twas a strange, new world for the darlings. 

And their hearts were filled with fear — 
Can you bring back the joy and gladness 

With your magic brush, my dear? 
Their eyes were as blue as the heavens. 

And clear as a crystal stream. 
While their faces were fair as the lilies 

That grow by its banks, I ween. 

The dark brown hair of my baby girl 

Was the clinging, silky kind. 
While more beautiful curls than my fair-haired boy*s 

Would be very hard to find. 



I 54 I I MY BABIES | | | 

My baby girl is a maiden grown, 

And she's very fair to see; 
My brave, bright boy is a tall young man — 

But the babies are gone, ah me ! 

So the only hope I have, my friend. 

Of calling them back to me, 
Lies in that wonderful gift of yours 

Of portraying what you see — 
Of portraying what you see, my friend, 

And yours is the artist's eye 
That catches the beauty far beyond 

What is seen by the common eye. 



i I I THE WAGES OF SIN | [}[] 

The Wages of Sin-Is It Death? 

''C\ world, why art thou blind, blind to sin's 

^^ curse, 
Which curse is death, and cannot be escaped? 
Search ye the scriptures and 'tis written there, 
Death as the wages paid for sin and crime — 
Then look at life and prove that scripture true. " 
Thus mused an artist, as with heavy heart 
He watched the careless throngs that come and go; 
Watched, till his face grew stern, and high resolve 
Shone from his eyes, then took his brush in hand 
And wrought the lesson that the world might see. 

A temple of art in its glory 

Is thronged with the wise and the fair. 
To view the choice gems that a nation 

Has gathered with patience and care. 

Sweet glimpse of home and of child-life, 
Fair fields, mountain heights, forests dim. 

Of lovers, and nuns, and wild furies. 
With lessons both cheery and grim. 

And smiling the faces that view them. 
Serene are all hearts on this night, 



56 



THE WAGES OF SIN | | | 



While trouble and care are forgotten 
Mid the charm of the beauty and light. 

Hush ! cease from your smiles and your chatter, 

Look once, look again ere you go ! 

The morgue? Yes. Who lies there .^ 

A woman, young, fair, but so frail, 

The form made for love and caresses 

Lies rigid and cold — lost its grace; 

While above bends the heartbroken mother, 

Aweary with searching and dread. 

And your heart moans with hers as you murmur- 

**The wages of sin, yes, 'tis death. " 

O artist, you've wrought well the lesson, 

The wages and ending of sin; 
But where is the light in the picture 

To show us that courage may win? 

YouVe a lesson still greater to teach us, 
Of the power to turn and do right; 

That which has been, need not be the future. 
Lead us out from the blackness of night. 

Paint the girl when dejection stands by her 
To lure her sick soul to despair. 



□ 



THE WAGES OF SIN 



57 



But let truth, the majestic, come also 
And whisper of things as they are. 

Let her speak of the strength wrought from weakness 
Of the wisdom oft learned through a sin, 

Of the path that leads onward and upward, 
And the peace that a brave heart may win. 

See you not such a message would strengthen 
And cheer the heart sick with despair. 

Would give us a help that is needed. 
And lessen the world's load of care? 

For, artist, we're all of us children. 

Each having a task he must do, 
Each weary at times of the eiTort, 

And finding it hard to be true. 

But the victor is he who has courage. 
Who still struggles on toward the light. 

Though the darkness may sorely beset him, 
And life seem one long dreary night. 

'Tis the giving up vanquished that's fatal, 

The worst foe of all is despair; 
So the helper is he who speaks courage, 

Who nerves us to do and to dare. 



58 I I TWO PICTURES ~| | | 



Two Pictures 

/AN the walls of an ancient temple, 
^^ Its people to warn and guide, 
Were painted in glowing colors 
Two pictures, side by side. 

One shows us a king in purple, 
Haughty, and cruel, and vain. 

Who wrought in insolent fashion 
To make of his crown a chain. 

The other, a slave in tatters. 

Who toiled *neath a tyrant's frown, 
But whose cheerful, daily service 

Was making his chain a crown. 

And underneath, this inscription. 
That the meaning none evade, 

** Our life is what we make it. 
No matter of what it is made.'' 



FOURTH OF JULY CRACKER | j 59 | 



The Fourth of July C?^acker 

nr^HE birth of our nation, our well beloved nation, 
^ We honor to-day with our song and our noise ; 
With our speeches and popcorn. 
Our ice cream and peanuts, 
And those villainous things that are loved by small 
boys — 
Oh, the nerve-tearing cracker. 
The sleep-spoiling cracker, 
The base firecracker so loved by small boys. 

With the booming of cannon, of death dealing 

cannon, 
That speak to us now that our safety is sure. 

For what could infest us. 

Or dare to molest us. 
When even our playthings are death-dealing toys? 

There's the ear-splitting cracker. 

The horse-scaring cracker. 
The festive old cracker so loved by small boys. 

Oh, could not a nation, a peace-loving nation, 
Find something less horrid for fun-loving boys? 

Asa nation we're gritty. 

We're wise and we're witty; 



60 



FOURTH OF JULY CRACKER 



Is there no way for fun save in ear-splitting noise? 

Let us banish the cracker, 

The pesky old cracker, 
And even the cannon, so loved by large boys. 



THE KINGS GARDEN 



61 



The King' s Garden 

( Kindergarten Story ) 

TN a garden of great beauty 

Stood a palace wondrous fair, 
Where a king at times sought refuge 
From a life of ceaseless care. 

Great and mighty was the kingdom. 

Ruled he wisely in the land, 
But at times his heart grew weary 

Of his station, high and grand. 

Then he'd leave his pomp and splendor, 

Seek this place of quiet rest. 
For of all his great possessions 

This fair garden loved he best. 

And the vines, and trees, and flowers 
Were like friends, so tried and true, 

Speaking words of help and blessing 
Till all life seemed fresh and new. 

But one morning, when he sought them 
For their welcome help and cheer. 

All his joy was changed to sadness. 
For their love was chilled by fear. 



r<2l I THE KING'S GARDEN ] | | 

Where but yesterday in beauty 
Was the graceful, clinging vine, 

Hung its withered, dying semblance- 
Cried the king, ** O vine of mine, 

** What is wrong that you are dying? '' 
Sighed the vine, "O King, my King, 

I am such a useless creature. 

Naught of worth to you I bring, 

** Helpless in my very nature, 

Cannot even stand alone. 
So your garden I'll not cumber, *' 

And she ended with a moan. 

Sadly then he sought his roses 
For the comfort they might give, 

But behold, their heads were drooping. 
And they showed no wish to live. 

And the king in sadness questioned, 
** Roses, roses, what is wrong? 

Yesterday your glowing beauty 

Healed my heart, and made me strong.*' 

And they answered, ** We've been thinking 

There's so little we can do, 
We're not graceful as the vine is. 

And we bear no fruit for you ; 



I I I THE KING'S GARDEN | fiT] 

** What's the use of ever trying, 

Since our value is so small? '* 
And the kingstood grieved and heartsick, 

As he watched their petals fall. 

Then he thought he'd lie and rest him 

'Neath the shadow of a tree 
That for long he'd loved and cherished 

For its beauty grand and free. 

But alas! that, too, had failed him, 
Withered were the leaves so fair — 

** O my tree, do you desert me 
After all my loving care? " 

** King and master," was the answer, 
"I but cumber up the ground. 

Yield to you no bloom of beauty, 
Mid my leaves no fruit is found. 

^' I would gladly give great service, 

But alas ! that cannot be, 
For with all my anxious trying 

I am just a useless tree." 

Then the king moved on in sadness, 
Head bent low, with misty eyes, 

When he caught a gleam of brightness, 
Turned he quickly in surprise — 



I 64 I I THE KING^S GARDEN ~| | | 

Where a pansy smiled him welcome, 
Fresh and cheery as could be, 

**How is this, my precious pansy, 
That you still are true to me? " 

** King, dear King, I knew I loved you, 
And though I am weak and small, 

I just trusted to your wisdom, 
And your loving care for all. 

**For I knew you had not planted 
Tree, and rose, and clinging vine, 

If their presence you'd not wanted. 
Why then should their hearts repine? 

** Then I thought, our King loves pansies 

Else he had not planted me. 
So I'll try to be the pansy 

That my King would have me be." 



KITTY GRAY'S STORY 



Kitty Gray's Story 
(Kindergarten) 

C AID sweet Kitty Gray 

^ To her children one day, 

*' Just quit all your pranks, and let up on your play; 

Come sit in the sunshine and wash your dear faces, 

For cleanness is one of a cat's choicest graces. 

Then, while you are quiet, I'll tell you a tale 

That has taught me how courage is sure to prevail. 

** 'Tis about the sweet peas 
That are loved by the bees 
And whose perfume is sought by the soft summer 

breeze. 
You know the board fence ' twixt the garden and 

yard 
That helps from the dogs this nice playground to 

guard; 
Well, last spring I was sunning myself on its top, 
When, singing, came Amy a hippety hop. 

** And she put something round 
In small holes in the ground 



66 



KITTY GRAVES STORY ) | | 



Right along by the fence where they wouldn't be 

found; 
And she laughed as she said, * They are all safely 

hid;' 
But Vd sat on her shoulder to watch what she did, 
So I knew all about it, and when it got hot 
On the top of the fence, I lay down by this spot. 

** For I wanted to hear 

If they thought it was queer 

To be put in the dark far away from the cheer. 

And their dear little voices were trying to scold 

At the damp, and the dark, and they said it was 

cold; 
But I said, 'Just you wait, and it won't be so bad. 
For something is coming to make you all glad. 

*' * For you see you are seeds 

Of sweet blossoms, not weeds. 

So just trust Mother Nature to know all your needs. ' 

It seemed a long time that the seeds had to wait. 

For the season, my dears, was unusually late. 

But at last one warm morning when all things were 

green. 
And the sunshine the brightest that ever was seen. 



□ 



KITTY GRAY'S STORY 67 



**I saw them come creeping 

And timidly peeping 

Like sweet little babies aroused from their sleeping. 

The lovelist green were their garments so fair, 

And they stretched out their arms in the warm 

sunny air, 
And they grew, and they grew, and they laughed 

in their glee. 
So happy they were in a life that was free. 

**Then I heard Amy say, 

For she' d watched them each day, 

* I must string my sweet peas so they'll go the right 

way.' 
This struck me as funny, for they were not beads. 
Though they did start in life as little round seeds. 
So I watched, for watching great knowledge may 

bring, 
While she took from her pocket a ball of white 

string. 

**This she gave to each vine 

Where its tendrils might twine 

And so reach the top of the fence on this line; 

' Twas a new kind of play, and hand over hand 



I 68 I I KITTY GRAVES STORY | | | 

They climbed away bravely, a sweet little band. 
But there was not enough of the pretty white string, 
So two were left over with no place to cling. 

**But by hunting around 

At last Amy found 

A dirty old string tangled up on the ground; 

This she gave to one vine, but it shrank back in 

pain. 
And to touch its course roughness and dirt 'twould 

not deign; 
While it cried, * I would climb, and I think this 

unkind. 
For to clasp all this filth I am much too refined. 

** ' Here below I will stay 

If I can't find a way 

That is free from this harshness that fills with 

dismay. 
For the earthworms and beetles are very polite 
And the ladybugs surely will give me delight.' 
So it ran around gaily till burdock and weeds 
Shut out all the sunshine and air from its needs. 

**It gave pleasure to none, 
Bore of blossoms just one. 



I I I KITTY GRAY'S STORY 



And was dead ere the summer was fairly begun. 
But the little sweet pea who was given no aid, 
Seemed to think there was nothing to make one 

afraid ; 
And it said, * I must rise for my heart tells me true, 
But Fm puzzled to know just the best thing to do, 

** * I long for the air 

And I '11 never despair 

Till I climb where the yellowbirds say 'tis so fair.' 

Then it held up its head and looked round for a 

while 
Till it saw a tall grass, then said with a smile, 
* This won't take me far, but it helps just the same, 
And to stay on the ground it were surely a shame. ' 

**When it reached its tip-top 

And had come to a stop. 

It found a bright poppy that served as a prop; 

And the poppy said, * Sweetheart, now what do you 

think! 
I will bend towards the currant bush quick as a wink; 
That will take you much higher than I can, you see ; 
'Tis the best thing to do I am sure you'll agree.' 



70 



KITTY GRAY'S STORY 



"Said the pea, *This is fine, 
Ah, who would repine? ' 

And its tendrils began round the bush to entwine. 
As it climbed it had visits from birds and from bees, 
From butterflies bright and the soft perfumed breeze. 
Its own dainty blossoms made all things more sweet; 
With the humming bird's coming its joy seemed 
replete. 

** But still its desire 

Led it higher and higher, 

For a new way to climb it was bound to inquire; 

When what should it find at the top but the string 

That its mate had discarded, the same dirty thing. 

It turned away sadly, ' Oh! this is too hard. 

Too gloomy and dirty for me to regard. ' 

** But a bird whispered low — 

*Yes,' it answered, *I know 

It leads upward and that is where I wish to go; 

Not all ways are pleasant, 'tis true, litde bird. 

Even though they lead upward, I'll not be absurd.' 

So bravely it clasped the rough string to its breast. 

And found it led higher than all of the rest. 



I I I KITTY GRAVES STORY | iTT] 



**To a fair hawthorn tree 

Where the sunshine was free, 

Then it joined with the birds in a glad jubilee. 

For below it could watch the dear children at play, 

And the flowers and also the fountain's bright spray; 

In the morning the butterflies, strange as it seems. 

Would flock to it gaily to tell of their dreams. 

** And sweetest and best. 
Far beyond all the rest, 
It was loved by us all I am free to attest; 
But our lovely sweet pea did not know this was so, 
It just lived and loved and continued to grow. 
And now, my dear children, go on with your play, 
YouVe been quiet and good," said sweet Kitty 
Gray. 



72 XANTHIPPE 



Xanthippe 

T ET me tell you of our kitty, 
^^-^ She's the finest one in town, 
And her name is just Xanthippe — 
Like that scold of great renown. 

And this wise and wondrous kitty. 
That we love and pet so much. 

Can use language like Xanthippe, 
If her paws we dare to touch. 

But she is so sweet and cunning 
When she's in a pleasant mood, 

And will sit up like a doggie 

When she wants to ask for food. 

Oh! her many funny capers 

That delight us, young and old. 

Would be worthy of the papers. 
If their story could be told. 

But 'twould take a magic pencil 
To convey the charm and grace 

That we see in every movement. 
As she romps around the place. 



d] I XANTHIPPE I I 73 

And her funny, cunning babies, 
How they wriggle with delight 

While they cuff and chew each other, 
And hug their mamma tight. 

Come, all you weary mortals, 

Who have no kitty dear. 
Just listen to this tale of mine 

And neither laugh nor jeer — 

But profit by the fun we've had 

And go and get a kitty. 
And you will find your youth renewed 

As we have with Xanthippe. 



I 74 I I THE FAIRY'S GUERDON ~] | | 

The Fairy's Guerdon 

'^ I ^WAS the king of the fairies who came to me, 
^ He at whose bidding I long had wrought, 

And he smiled his praise as he softly said, 

**Come, claim the blessing you long have 
sought. 

** What is the sweetest of all sweet things 
That life can hold in her bounteous hands? 

You have served me wisely and now may claim 
A guerdon rich as your heart demands. 

** Think of the beauties of earth and air. 
Of sunset glories and dawn's fair grace. 

Of hills and valleys, of wealth and power. 

With their worldly station and pomp of place. 

** Then choose you that which is first of all, 
From jewelled bauble, to rank of king. 

That treasure for which your spirit longs — 

It is yours when found, though a priceless thing.'* 

Then I searched for aye with a longing heart, 

For a gift as rare as a poet' s dream. 
Till my eyes met the gaze of a trusted friend, 

Then my quest was forgotten in joy supreme. 



I I I A PERFECT DAY ~| | 75 | 

A Perfect Day 

1 X 7'ATER that ripples, and shimmers, and shines 
^ ^ Under the summer sun, 
Or frolics with breezes that come that way, 
Tossing its whitecaps in boisterous play. 
Till the warm, bright day is done. 

Hilltops all rounded, and soft, and green. 

Under the summer sun. 
With trees that whisper, and laugh, and thrill 
With the song of bird, or the wind's sweet will, 

Till the long, glad day is done. 

And under the moonbeams' soft caress. 

As under the summer sun, 
Are beauty, and life, and love expressed 
In a way that brings our hearts sweet rest, 

Though this perfect day is done. 



76 



THE DOUBLE CHOICE 



The Double Choice 

A ROUND the angel with the gifts of life, 

Thronged eagerly the souls awaiting birth ; 
They chose at will the gift that pleased them best — 
Long life, or power, beauty, strength, or love; 
Or gifts less showy — patience, peace, or truth. 
At the bright gift of genius many looked, 
But when they tried to clasp it to their breasts, 
They found its weight was such they let it fall. 
And chose some lighter thing that took less strength. 
Among the throng was one with wistful face 
And tender, trustful eyes, who gazed on love 
As though it were his own ; and then would turn 
Toward genius with a sigh. The angel, waiting, 
Questioned of his choice; which would it be? 
**Thou lookest first at the great gift of love, 
That ecstasy of life which is half pain. 
Then turn'st toward genius with thy longing gaze.*' 
The answer came with earnest look and word, 
**I cannot choose, I long to serve mankind, 
And crave the gift of genius, which is power, 
That I may serve them in a fitting way. 
But oh ! the gift of love, I cannot leave. 



I I I THE DOUBLE CHOICE | | 11 \ 

For it to me is life, yea, more than life. 

Sweet angel, may I not bear both away? 

rU take the pain and burden they may bring, 

And I will labor faithfully and well/' 

The angel smiled but answered, "Child, thou 

askest much; 
Seest not the rule of but one gift for each? 
And many start upon the race of life 
With scarce so much as that. Their hands are weak 
And fail to grasp the gift. How then canst thou 
Expect to run the race burdened with both? '* 
Then answered he, the while his eyes grew bright, 
** Love is my life, and I must live, you know 
And I must work as well. Then, too, I feel 
A strength within that tells me I can win — 
A power and purpose that will make me brave." 
** Yea, thou art brave, and strong," the angel said; 
** And if thou' It keep thy purpose pure and high. 
Bending to thy great task with a true heart. 
Both gifts will aid thee in the strenuous race, 
Crowning thy life with glory ere it ends. 
But if thou shouldst forget thy purpose true, 
Or seek to use the gifts for selfish ends 
And so drag all their glory in the dust, 
Thou, too, shalt be brought low. 



78 



THE DOUBLE CHOICE | | | 



Dost thou Still crave the burden they will bring? *' 
With eager eyes I gazed to see the end ; 
And, mid the silence of the waiting throng, 
Both gifts were placed within the outstretched hands. 



I I I MY MAGICAL HOME ~| | 79 | 



My Magical Home 

A MAGICAL home in a land most fair, 
^ ^ I have wrought for my bride to be, 
A place of safety from grief and care, 
From anger and hate and things that scare. 
With a wonderful mystical key. 

And into this bower of pure delight. 
Where beauty shall reign supreme, 
My bride will come like the morning light 
That springs in gladness from arms of night 
To the world which it must redeem. 

So safely hidden, this magical home, 

Away from the world's unrest. 
That none can see its wonderful dome. 
Though very near they may chance to roam 

To my beautiful bride's sweet nest. 

And there, when the work of the day is done. 

With my beautiful bride to be, 
I shall live in the peace our hearts have won, 
In a light transcending the light of sun, 

For we hold the mystical key. 



80 



A FROLIC I I I 



A Frolic 

1X7E dodged her, and oh ! what a jolly good time, 
^ ^ Such fun we had wading, and such a fine climb. 
But she whom we dodged would have thought it a 
crime. 

The glen was a marvel of beauty that day. 
Deep shaded and cool, and with such an array 
Of mosses and ferns that we just had to stay. 
And the brook, oh ! the brook was what we liked 

best — 
Its clear rippling waters gave all else its zest. 
And our stockings and shoes were soon laid to rest. 

White feet were soon splashing in infinite glee — 
The waters so cool, and so bright, and so free, 
'Twas a frolic worth having, I know you* 11 agree. 

Do you think 'twas our mother we dodged that 

fine day? 
Oh! no, 'twas Dame Grundy from over the way. 
The one who lifts eyebrows, and adds, ** Yes, they 

say 



I »» 



I I I A FROLIC 



81 



And what were our ages that day we ran wild? 

** Just ten and a fraction," would put it quite mild, 

If feelings and actions are what make the child. 

No, I won't give the facts; yet what do I care? 
But don't tell Dame Grundy — it wouldn't be fair; 
We were young, but alas! we had snowy white 
hair. 



fO I WATER LILIES ~] | | 

Water Lilies 

f~\ SOULS, groping still in the darkness, 
^^ You who find yourselves fettered by sin. 

You who long for the light, 

Yet see nothing but night, 
And feel discord and torture within — 

Let me give the gift of the lilies. 

May they teach you as they have taught me. 

That if we aspire 

We will rise from the mire 
To a place where we're happy and free. 

The germ of the saint and the lily 
Both start into life in the gloom, 

And though waters be cold 

And through sorrows untold 
They grow toward the beauty of bloom. 

' Tis love with its symbol, the sunshine, 
That forces each one to its best, 

Up ! away from the night 

Into glorious light. 
Where the beauty of each is expressed. 



I I I WATER LILIES ~| | 83 | 

So open your hearts to the sunshine, 
And courage your watchword shall be, 

For though lilies be fair, 

There's a beauty more rare 
When the soul comes to bloom, and is free. 



84 



LEGEND OF SAINT VALENTINE 



The Legend of Saint Valentine 

C AINT VALENTINE'S day is coming, you say, 
^ And you wonder what it will bring you. 
Whether bonbons, or roses, or some trifle sweet. 
Or a genuine lover to bow at your feet, 
With a heart that is brave, strong, and true. 

There* s a legend, fair maid, you surely should hear, 
That is told at the schools to our wee ones. 

At the child-garden schools where our children 
unfold, 

In the sunshine of love with a beauty untold, 
For sweet human flowers are our dear ones. 

The legend is this: In the days long gone by. 
In a far away land of bright beauty. 

Lived a man who was loved by his friends young 
and old, 

For his great tender heart that all life did enfold 
With a kindness surpassing mere duty. 

Great wealth was not his, save the wealth of the 

heart, 
But he shared with the needy this treasure — 



I I I LEGEND OF SAINT VALENTINE 



85 



He loved men as brothers, freely gave what he 

had, 
While he spoke gentle words to the hearts that 
were sad. 
So his presence brought joy in full measure. 

No home was invaded by sorrow or wrong, 

But swift word was brought to this best friend of all, 

That they craved the sweet boon of his presence to 
cheer. 

To show them the right or to banish their fear, 
And he never, no never, neglected the call. 

The years passed along filled with acts of sweet love, 
Till old age came on gently, yet robbed him of 
power 
To visit his friends in their homes as of yore. 
Though his heart was as warm and held as full 
store 
Of the wisdom of love, which is life's richest dower. 

If friends were in trouble his wis h was to aid, 
So he said to himself, *' A letter I' 11 write. '' 

And thus, at least once in the course of each year, 
Every one of the dear ones was quite sure to hear 
From the friend they all loved for his message so 
bright. 



86 



LEGEND OF SAINT VALENTINE | | | 



The day came at last when the casket that held 
This sweet, loving soul, was hid from their view. 
And the friends while they mourned, still ques- 
tioned each other 
Of the best way to hold in remembrance this 
brother, 
That the blessing might widen, not rest with a few. 

And they said, **On his birthday, we'll write help- 
ful letters 
To those whom we love, or to those who may need 
them. 
And Valentine's name shall be treasured forever 
As a symbol of love that time cannot sever, 
For we'll cherish and hold it as some precious gem." 

And now, my sweet maiden, do we catch the true 

spirit 
Of this saint of the people who lived far away? 
If we do, we shall see that the spirit of giving. 
Of blessing and helping (that makes life worth 
the living,) 
Is the thought to remember and cherish this day. 



THOSE PIPPINS I I 87 j 



Those Pippins 

^ I ''WO little maidens with nut-brown hair, 

-■- With calico gowns, and faces fair. 
Who looked for something — something to do. 
Something useful, with fun in it, too; 
** Let us pick apples, '' they cried in glee — 
**See! they are ripe on this pippin tree. '' 
"We will ask father, '' the elder said. 
And scampered away with joyous tread. 
The father paused ere he made reply, 
Paused and heaved an anxious sigh. 
* * The apples are very ripe, my dear. 
And you'll drop and bruise them all, I fear. " 
The children promised to take great care. 
Then sped away like the summer air. 
And oh ! the care that the^youngsters took. 
Picking the apples from leafy nook. 
Till, bare and free, hung each lightened limb, 
While the bag they brought was filled to the brim. 
They tried to lift it, but lacked the strength. 
And stood dejected till one, at length. 
Suggested they drag the bag along — 



THOSE PIPPINS 



That they could do, though not very strong. 

No thought of leaving it crossed their minds, 

As o'er rough plowed ground their pathway winds; 

At last triumphant, though tired, they stand — 

No prouder maidens in all the land. 

Expecting praise, and the words **well done," 

In addition to all their work and fun. 

But just one glance at the father's face. 

And their happy hopes to fear gave place. 

Alas! the day, and alas the deed! 

To add to my tale there is no need. 

Since now, too late, the children see 

They've spoiled the fruit from the favorite tree. 

The years have flown, and the maidens fair 

Are mothers now, with many a care. 

But mention ** pippins" to either one — 

Her laughing eyes gleam with childish fun. 



I I I A DREAM ^1 I 89 



A Dream 

T SLEPT and dreamed, and in my dream there 

came 
Strangely familiar forms and stood beside me, 
All in their hands bore treasures rich and rare. 
Which, with a kingly grace, they offered me. 
I wondered much at this, for I had found 
So oft in life that they who treasures own, 
Are loath to part from them, and will not share. 
At last I found my tongue and asked of him. 
The foremost one of all that goodly band, 
** What is't you bring, and who are you that come. 
Filling my chamber with your forms so fair.? " 
The answer came in accents soft and low, 
** We are the great and good of all the past. 
And bring to thee the wisdom of the ages; 
We lived and toiled that we might aid our brethren. 
And, when we find a soul seeking for truth, 
We gladly bring what aid we can to him. 
And joy to see the search for wisdom's gold. 
So, child, our secret we will give to thee. 
But thou must mark it well, aye give it heed, 
For *tis the choicest gift we have for men. 



I 90 I I A DREAM | | | 

Simple as it may seem, it takes the courage 

Of a brave, strong mind to follow it. 'Tis this — 

Search well among the treasures of the past. 

But listen first of all to the still voice 

That comes to aid the searcher after truth. 

Then shall thy soul be kindred to our own. 

For thus we gained our power in the past 

By being ever true unto ourselves. 

As one of us hath said. * Prove ye all things 

And hold fast but the true,' then will you learn 

That highest wisdom now, as then, is found 

In love divine toward all the sons of men." 

The beauty of this statement thrilled my soul. 

And as I mused upon it, I was filled 

With strong desire to further question him; 

But when I raised my eyes the forms were gone, 

And the bright glory of the morning filled theroom. 



LOVE KNOWS NO DEATH 



91 



Love Knows No Death 

TXyTHO am I? What is life, and what's the end? 
^ '^ Or does it end? I stand here bowed with grief 
At loss of one — my life's companion. 
Her loss? Aye, for though her body lies 
At rest before me, it is not she — 
The one who many years has walked beside me, 
Filling my life with joy, making my home 
A place of rest and comfort. We give it 
Reverent care for it was hers, the willing 
Instrument through which she wrought her will, 
Though now it lies there bruised and broken. 
Does her real self stand beckoning me 
To come up higher? Has she clearer view 
Of life and all its possibilities. 
Now that the veil of flesh is put aside? 
Methinks I see her standing there, a light 
In her fond eyes that far transcends the light 
That shone in them when first I wooed and won 

her; 
While a voice floats to me, speaking to my soul. 
That bids me be at rest, that all is well. 



92 



LOVE KNOWS NO DEATH 



□ 



The music of it thrills me through and through, 
Giving me knowledge of this truth divine — 
That God is love, and that in love, pure love. 
We find our heaven. Such love knows naught of 

death ; 
For, let the body vanish from our sight. 
Still does the heart love on with greater strength. 
Father, I thank Thee that this light has come. 
To guide my steps in this, my hour of need; 
And, though the tears may come unbidden. 
And my sad heart does ache with loneliness, 
Yet have I learned this lesson to my gain — 
That love is of the soul, and knows no death. 



I I I TO JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY 



93 



To James Whitcomb Riley 

pOET of nature, forever inscribing 
^ Your rhymes to the children 

That play round your feet, 
At what hidden source is your spirit imbibing 

These thoughts so bewildering, 

These fancies so sweet? 

Your heart is as young as a rollicking schoolboy's, 

The life giving fountain 

Must flow at your feet. 
You have learned of dear nature her marvelous joys, 

Have caught her own secret, 

As surely is meet. 

Now I have the children to tease and torment me 

With pranks quite outrageous, 

And freaks strange and wild. 
Who love and caress in a way that overwhelms me — 

If the moods be pugnacious. 

Or if they be mild. 



94 



TO JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY | | | 



Still, they fail in some way to creep into my rhyming, 

Though I love them most dearly, 

For are they not mine? 
But you, with your quaintness and wonderful timing. 

Have caught their true spirit 

As if they were thine. 

Your glimpses of childhood, O poet, are teaching 

Sweet lessons in loving 

To young and to old. 
For you give us fresh data to aid us in reaching 

A knowledge of child life 

More precious than gold. 

May life's choicest blessings be yours in full measure. 

Your life path be peaceful. 

Your skies clear and blue. 
For your musical singing has given such pleasure, 

We wish its reflection 

To shine back to you. 



I I I A MORNING RESOLVE | | 95 | 



A Morning Resolve 

TN beauteous splendor the glad morn is breaking, 
With rosy light tinting each hilltop and plain, 
Transforming the dewdrops to diamonds, and 
waking 
The manifold life that our earth does contain. 
The birds chirp and flutter, then break forth in 
singing 
Their rapturous welcome to love and to light; 
Their melody sets all the woodlands a ringing. 
As the day king dispels the last shadow of night. 

If nature is filled with the joy of expressing 

The fullness of life that*s in beauty revealed. 
Shall I, the best gifts of creation possessing, 

Do less than my brothers of forest and field? 
No, ril list to that voice of gentle persuading 

That tells me true wisdom is mine to attain ; 
That with prayer and desire I may draw to my 
aiding 

The knowledge that frees one from bondage and 
pain. 



96 



A MORNING RESOLVE 



Then I'll seek for this truth that such power is 
giving; 

Blessed Father, I pray Thee, this wisdom impart; 
For I, too, would awake to the joy of true living. 

To the sunshine of love I would open my heart. 
Then I, like the birds, will rejoice o'er my waking. 

And melody sweet I will try to express, 
I'll sing in the sunshine, the shadows forsaking. 

While I trust the great Father to cherish and 
bless. 



I ] I THE BLESSED ISLES | |_97 



The Blessed Isles 

(Suggested by Bacheller's ** Barrel of the Blessed Isles " ) 
H, the Blessed Isles! the Blessed Isles! 



o 



Let us up and away to the Blessed Isles ! 
Not hard the journey, the fare not high. 
You can almost see where their boundaries lie, 
And there is garnered the wealth of time ; 
Let us up and away to this blessed clime ! 

On the sea of Thought we'll sail away, 
And spend on these islands a golden day — 
We'll breathe in delight their free, sweet air. 
Away from our worry, and trouble, and care. 
Then come back rested with merry smiles ; 
Oh, let's up and away to the Blessed Isles! 

At the Shakespeare Isle, we'll pause and stay. 
While we watch the drama of life' s great play — 
The changing passions of love and hate. 
The mirth, the laughter, the merciless fate — 
All, all are mirrored — the death — the birth — 
The strange shifting scenes of our queer old earth. 



98 



THE BLESSED ISLES 



n 



There's many another poet isle, 
Where charm and beauty our hearts beguile, 
Where we catch the gleam of fairy gold, 
Or our hearts leap up at the wealth untold, 
Of priceless pearls brought from many lands. 
To be placed to-day in our waiting hands. 

In many places we rest awhile. 
But the place of peace is the Emerson Isle — 
There's sweet content in the very air. 
And the light is a light beyond compare — 
The isle lies high ; as you gain the height, 
You are filled with wonder and keen delight. 

The isles of Laughter we'll not omit — 
The quaint little islands of Humor and Wit. 
A year and a day we' d like to stay 
On the isle of Romance, where lovers stray. 
Oh, countless the gems whose beauties star 
Time's infinite sea, where these treasures are. 

Then the Holy Isle, with joy replete. 
We'll tread with unshod and reverent feet; 
And, though we may feel the chastening rod, 
The soul in its triumph looks home to God; 
For there is strength for each time of need. 
And wise, loving counsels for us to heed. 



THE BLESSED ISLES 99 



Oh, the Blessed Isles! the Blessed Isles! 
Let us up and away to the Blessed Isles ! 
Not hard the journey, the fare not high, 
You can almost see where their bounderies lie, 
And there is garnered the wealth of time; 
Let us up and away to this blessed clime ! 



100 KICKING 



Kicking 

^ I ^HIS old world is mighty clever, 

* Why kick? 

* Twill respond to your endeavor, 

Don't kick, 
But just take the things that come, 
Though they may be mighty bum; 
This philosophy helps some, — 

Still we kick. 

Patient horses always drudging 

Don't kick. 
Leave to toil the world's not grudging. 

Why kick? 
** Just be patient still," they say, 
** Trudge right on the same old way. 
If it's worth our while, we'll pay, 

So don't kick." 

If the other fellow fails you. 
Don't kick. 



I I I KICKING I |_1^ 

Bear both burdens — why, what ails you ? 

Don't kick. 
Do you wonder that we balk 
Over all this slushy talk 
As to how we ought to walk P 

Better kick. 

Then if you are optimistic, 

And kick. 
And your kicking is artistic, 

Just kick. 
For you'll find a better way, 
And quite likely larger pay, 
With more sunshine in your day. 

If you kick. 



1C2 



MISUNDERSTO QD j | | | 



Misunderstood 

'* I ''HERE is a bugaboo that unformed minds 

-■" See peering at them as their life path winds 
Among the foothills, ere they gain the height 
Above the clouds where all is pure and bright. 
Each soul that climbs has felt the torturing fear 
Caused by the presence, either far or near. 
Of this uncanny creature. Such is life 
For all who gain the heights beyond the strife. 
But, soul, be strong of purpose, and of heart; 
Keep to your upward path, and do your part 
Of the world's work, unmindful of the pain 
Which often brings to men life's greatest gain. 
For conquered fear leaves oft a strength behind 
That you may search for elsewhere and not find. 
And this which makes you tremble and grow faint. 
This shape so grewsome that no words can paint 
Its evil aspect, in the stronger light 
You'll find a thing to smile at, not to fight. 
'Tis nothing in itself, but by our fear 
We give what power it has to cut or sear 



MISU NDERSTOOD 



103 



These foolish hearts of ours ; so speed the day 
When we will banish fear from out our way, 
And tread with steadfast hearts by faith, or sight — 
That upward path that leads to truth and right; 
Scared then no more, though passing through the 

wood, 
By that strange creature called, ** Misunderstood/' 



TO MY HAPPY GIRL ^| | | 

*To My Happy Girl 

f~^ ARRY your message of brightness and sunshine 
^-^ To hearts that are weary, and sad, and cold, 
And by its reflection you'll find this blessing — 
Your own heart will blossom and ne'er grow old. 

You need not strive, but just share your gladness 
With hearts that may need it, that come your 
way, 
For gentle words, and smiles, and laughter, 
Are healing and helpful, and strength convey. 



MOTHER LOVE 



105 



Mother Love 

/CHILDREN, my children, grieve not at this 
^^ parting, 

Bear ye up bravely and look towards the light, 
Though ye are lonely and tear-drops are starting, 

Remember, the morning doth follow the night. 

Though absent in body my true love createth 

A path that leads -upward from moods sad or 
wild. 

Remember that mother love watcheth and waiteth. 
Brooding full tenderly over her child. 

Mother love lives though the body lies sleeping, 
'Tis but the symbol that falls to decay; 

Mother love dies not, so cease from thy weeping, 
Children, my children, look upward, I pray. 



106 



A PICTURE 



A Picture 

**TF your wish is for fame, just look at this picture, 
^ That shows one how foolish such longings 
may be, 
For life, as you see, is a curious mixture, " 

Said my friend, as he showed this strange picture 
to me. 

*Twas a cluster of roses, whose dainty pink petals, 

Formed a bed for a ghastly, decayed human skull; 

'Twas more grewsome than though it reposed amid 

nettles. 

For the flowers were the sweetest that fair hands 

could cull. 

But I smiled as I answered, *'I see what you*d teach 
me. 
That fame may delay till life's journey is o'er. 
That the praise of the many's not likely to reach me, 
And you fear lest my heart may grow weary and 
sore. 



A PICTURE I 1 107 I 



** And it would, without doubt, if for fame I were 
striving, 
But I find my chief joy in the work that I do; 
Nor am I without the best means of reviving 

The heart that grows weary, though loving and 
true. 

**For when eyes like your own, meet mine with 
approval, 
And kind words are spoken from hearts brave 
and true; 
The spirit responds as it feels the removal. 
Of the doubts of the value of what it can do. 

** And your picture but brings to my mind the more 
clearly 
That 'tis love, and love only, that makes life com- 
plete; 
Not the love of one man for one maiden merely, 
But the love which brings blessings to all whom 
we meet." 



108 I THE WAY TO "GET THERE^' 

rhe JFay to ''Get 7 here'' 

T HEAR so many chatter 

^ About the stream of life, 
Until the ceaseless patter 
Begets a thought of strife. 

For all the talk is tending 

To make a fellow feel 
That there is but one ending, 

With more of woe than weal. 

We most of us awaken 
To find ourselves adrift. 

Our course already taken. 
Life scarce a welcome gift. 

We mean we're in the current 
That alvv^ays flows down stream. 

And which is sadly errant. 

Like some unwholesome dream. 

If when we wake, we* re drifting, 
It need not still be so. 



THE WAY TO ''GET THERE^' | | 109 1 



For see ! the clouds are lifting, 
So take right hold and and row. 

Set some grand course before you 
And row with all your might; 

Sing happy songs to cheer you, 
With face turned toward the light. 

You'll **get there/' friend, beUeve me. 

In spite of croaking bores, 
But just depend, 'twill never be 

By resting on your oars. 



LESSON OF THE ORANGE TREe| | | 



Lesson of the Ora7tge Tree 

^T^HROUGH the days of sunny childhood, 

^ Through the days of early youth, 
Mother's ways are always perfect, 
Father's words are Gospel truth. 

But too oft there comes a waking, 

As the children older grow. 
Faults appear in those thought perfect. 

Childhood's faith receives a blow. 

Then the young soul grieves and wonders. 

Or, rebellious, throws away 
All the aid and needed counsel 

That should guide from day to day. 

** Foolish, " say you, **in the children 
Thus to doubt this guiding power?'* 

True; but are grown men much wiser 
With the teachers of the hour? 



LESSON OF THE ORANGE TREE 



111 



See them stand and scoff at failures, 
Though the teacher does his best, 

Though his words are filled with wisdom, 
Though he's climbing with the rest. 

Foolish, foolish little children. 
Yes, and children older grown, 

For what soul has reached perfection. 
Of the many you have known ? 

Will you then refuse assistance 
Till the perfect one shall come? 

Look at nature's perfect lesson, 

For she speaks, though lips are dumb. 

See this tree of matchless beauty. 
Snowy bloom and fruit so fair. 

Side by side in radiant splendor. 
Tossing in the fragrant air. 

Perfect blossoms, fruit so luscious, 
Will you cast them all aside, 

Just because there's fruit unripened 
Hanging 'mong the branches wide? 

Fruit so bitter, sour, imperfect. 

That to taste you would not deign ; 



112 



LESSON OF THE ORANGE TREe| | | 



But should scorn of it debar you 
From the pleasure you might gain? 

Snowy blossom, perfect orange, 
Loving thought or precept wise ; 

Take the good, and let time ripen 
What's imperfect in your eyes. 



I I I TO AN IMPERIAL POTENTATE | 1 113 

To an hnperial Potentate and Wife 
L. B. W. 

'^np'WAS at life's portal that a pilgrim stood 
^ Asking admission and for leave to pass, 
But when the warden saw his tiny form 
And unprotected state, he shook his head. 
Telling of dangers that so oft befell 
Even the strongest on this pilgrimage; 
Told of the burning sands he'd have to pass. 
Of fierce, wild tribes that scour the desert o'er. 
Then questioned why no camel was at hand 
To slake his thirst with milk, and bear him safely 
If he needs must go. "Where is your clothing. 
Son, and where your scrip, O foolish, foolish one?" 
The pilgrim smiled with well contented air, 
**Fear not for me, my wants are well supplied; 
Fair is the oasis that waits for me. 
Clothing in plenty and with scrip to spare, 
While milk far sweeter than from camels brought 
Shall quench my thirst, and nourish day by day; 



[TlJ| I TO AN IMPERIAL POTENTATE~] | | 

For in this realm of bliss, a potentate 

Of mighty worth, and lady wondrous fair. 

Have wrought a mystic shrine from loving hearts, 

A shrine of beauty, and of peace untold; 

And in this shrine with safety will I dwell. 

Watched o'er by brooding love, like bird in nest.'* 

** Child of good fortune!" quoth the warden stern, 

And smiled his blessing as the pilgrim passed. 



I I I MEMORIAL DAY | 1 115 

Memorial Day 

TTOW strange a sight, a nation gath'ring flowers 
-^ To strew the graves of heroes long since dead, 

While living heroes whatsoe'er their powers. 
Must go with deeds unsung, and oft unfed. 

I do not wish to rob the dead of glory 

Or cast a slight on valor that is past. 
But present worth's as good as what is hoary, 

And gives the power that makes the nation last. 

This day is worth the most if we are learning 
To let love rule, and see the best in life; 

We'll look ahead, from error bravely turning, 
And live so true that we shall banish strife. 

For war is but a barbarous tuition, 

A cruel relic of an ignorant past. 
But there v/ill come a glorious fruition 

To all our hopes when peace is ours at last. 



116 



TO FATHER, ON HIS BIRTHDAY | | | 



To Father y o?t His Birthday 

/^N this, thy natal day, O father mine, 

^-^ I would bring greetings from my heart to thine, 

And o'er and o'er thy praises I would sing, 

A tribute to thy virtues I would bring; 

For thou hast given to us much more than life. 

Teaching us courage in this world of strife, 

Proving to us that three score years and ten 

Need not complete the usefulness of men; 

But that, if we will let the spirit guide, 

Facing life bravely whatsoe'er betide. 

That life, and truth, and love will still attend, 

And give rich blessings ere our lives shall end. 

End? Say, rather, blossom in that fuller life 

That brings relief from all this mortal strife. 

And so I send thee greeting, father dear. 

At this bright opening of the glad New Year, 

And may sweet peace bide with thee now and ever, 

As the fit crown of honest, high endeavor. 



TO MOTHER, ON HER BIRTHDAY 117 



To Mother^ on Her Birthday 

"lY/r OTHER, little mother, with the soft and sil- 

^ very hair, 

Though your gentle face is furrowed by the lines of 

thought and care, 
We see patience shining through it with a beauty 

sweet and rare. 

Mother, gentle mother, by your brown eyes' kindly 

light. 
You have helped to show us clearly the path to 

truth and right. 
Aiding us^to walk therein by your life so pure and 

white. 

Mother, dearest mother, like the fragrance of a flower 
Is the sweetness of your holy life, which comes with 

added power 
As the years roll swiftly onward and we near the 

parting hour. 



118 



TO MOTHER, ON HER BIRTHDAY [ 



Mother, precious mother, may your children strive 
each day 

To walk with loving footsteps in the Master's per- 
fect way, 

Since *tis transcendent blessing for which you hope 
and pray. 



I I I A SUMMER DAY^S LESSON 



119 



A Summe?^ Day' s Lesson 

TN sight of Lake Michigan, bonnie and blue, 

Two lovers sat cooing the whole day through, 
To life and its trials, its crosses and cares, 
They paid no more heed than the summer airs 
That kissed with soft languor the fair young cheek 
Of the maiden who blushed while they played hide 

and seek 
In her bright, sunny curls, or fluttered in glee 
Mid the ribbons she wore, with a liberty free; 
Or was the blush caused by a pair of brown eyes 
That gazed in her own with a look she thought 

wise. 
Where others would see that their owner was fond? 
And ah ! who could blame him? For love is a bond 
That unites the whole earth and thrills every heart 
Whether saint, sage, or poet, or whate'er the part 
They may play in this medley of hopes, joys, and 

fears 
That the croakers have called the lone valley of 

tears. 



1 120 1 I A SUMMER DAY'S LESSON | | | 

As I mused on this picture of radiant youth, 

It seemed like a sweet glimpse of heaven, forsooth. 

And the charm was but heightened by just a faint 

trace 
Of coquetry seen in the maiden's fair face 
As demurely she murmured: **My friend, do you 

know 
That I sacrificed much, not only a row 
With a gentleman friend, but a picnic as well 
That is given to-day in a beautiful dell? 
Yet 'twas all given up for a day here with you; 
Can you ask for devotion more loving and true? ** 
The brown eyes looked grave as their owner re- 
plied, 
'' My darling, I would not keep one at my side 
For my own selfish pleasure, no matter how dear 
Was their presence to me/' Then her laugh rip- 
pled clear. 
While from tender blue eyes the love light flashed 

out 
In a way that no longer could leave the least doubt 
As to how she preferred to be spending the day, 
Still he patiently waited to hear what she'd say. 
** My beloved," she whispered, ** this day here with 

you 
Is worth more to me in our love sweet and true 



A SUMMER DAY'S LESSON 



121 



Than all picnics and pleasures the world has to give, 
If apart from your side fate ordained I should live. '* 
Ah! you mischief, I thought, your heart is all right, 
And your teasing has brought a great truth to my 

sight — 
That in sacrifice ever we give up the less 
That the greater may come, and our lives truly bless. 
We sacrifice passion that spirit may rule 
And make our desires but serve as a tool 
To bring to our lives the highest and best. 
And we sacrifice earthly for heavenly rest; 
We sacrifice self for the good of a friend. 
But it always is done to the very same end, 
That is, if true wisdom is found at the source, 
'Tis an end that we take as a matter of course 
When we find it in nature, and this its command 
That the fittest survive, but 'tis well to demand 
That justice, clear eyed, look the case calmly o'er. 
Lest a sickly false sentiment, rule us far more 
Than our good common sense, and the God given 

right 
That each soul should claim, of reaching the height 
Of the best that is in him. So, sweethearts, you see. 
Your loving has brought a life lesson to me. 
I thank you, and bless you, and wish you the best; 
For you surely deserve it if love is the test. 



122 



FASHION'S SLAVES | | ^| 



Ballade of Fashion s Slaves 

XrOU say that women now are free — 

Free to advance, free to attain, 
But tell me, how can this thing be? 

Will she that's free still wear a chain, 
Or bear with aught that will constrain 

And fetter her, and thus debar 
From reaching good she might obtain? 

Alas, what slaves we women are! 

There is one point where you'll agree 

The binding trammels now remain; 
Dame Fashion yet gives her decree — 

Will she that's free still wear a chain? 
We humbly bow to her, that's plain. 

And give her reverence, near and far, 
Though we profess for her disdain. 

Alas, what slaves we women are! 

A heavenly time I can foresee 

When women, strong in heart and brain, 



FASHION'S SLAVES | 123 

Will break this power, nor bend the knee — 
Will she that's free still wear a chain? 

Nay, she will cease to so profane, 
Will cease to bind, or hurt, or mar 

This temple where the soul should reign. 
Alas, what slaves we women are! 

Let us begin this new campaign — 
Will she that's free still wear a chain. 
Or, will she fear some petty jar? 
Alas, what slaves we women are ! 



124 



AUTUMN 



□ 



Autumn 

TTOW like is autumn, with its gorgeous tints, 
-*■ -^ To the bright evening filled with merry play. 
When all the tasks are done, and workday thoughts 
And workday clothes are gladly put aside; 
While, clad in bright array, we spend the hours 
In song and dance, or in sweet loving talk. 
Then when the evening is at last far spent, 
Like some fond mother caring for her child. 
Dame Nature comes and gently puts away 
The pretty party dress that brought us joy, 
Robing her darling in a gown of white, 
Tucking her snugly in her quiet nest, 
That she may sleep, and dream, and gain new life. 
And if some tears are shed, some raindrops fall. 
O'er leaving all the glory and the light, 
Still, in the morning, when we rise refreshed. 
And see the fair earth bursting into bloom, 
We sing with joy, knowing that it was well. 



YOUR WORLD AND MINE 



125 



Your World and Mine 

"O ESTLESS? I grant it, and I should be calm? 
^^ Yes,- 1 grant that. I'm too intense? 'Tis true, 
But who are you who dare to give advice, 
Or comment on my moods whatever they be? 
You, who have never known this fierce unrest. 
This hunger of the heart that will not down; 
You, with your sweet, mild ways and narrow life, 
And what the world calls goodness — even so! 
You do not steal — you but purloin our patience 

And our time. You do not lie — no, never 

That is, no more than others of your set; 
And as for loving with undue excess, 
You surely do not — save it be yourself. 
Think you that fancy work, and dress, and style, 
And what we'll have for dinner, or for tea. 
Could satisfy, could fill my time and thoughts? 
Could still this restless longing of my soul. 
This strong desire for him my heart holds dear? 
No! and I'd rather suffer, if I must, 



I 126 1 I YOUR WORLD AND MINE ~| | | 



In the fierce swirl and rush of seething tide 
Than stagnate in the waters of a pond. 
You wonder at my mood, and think me wild 
To voice such rashness in this modern world. 
To you I am not ladylike— to me 
You do not live, although you do exist. 
But in such fashion that I'd rather die 
Than cramp my soul to such inanities. 
For I would stifle, lacking air to hreathe. 
To me the world you live in seems so small 
That I could crush it in my own two hands — 
A puff of air, and nothing would remain. 
You love your world, as I do mine, it seems; 
Your sheltered nook, and your embroidery. 
But do not think to tame me to such world. 
My vivid life has found its complement. 
And we will face life's sunshine and its storms 
Out in the open where we can be free. 



I I I TO HARRY 



127 



To Harry 

TF thou couldst come to me to-night and sit beside 

^ me 

In the rosy glow of the warm firelight, 

And talk with me as in the days gone by, 

What would I care for tempest raging high, 

For drifting snow, and cruel, cutting sleet. 

Or the sad sighing of the solemn pines? 

Thy very presence would bring pure delight, 

And thy dear converse bring an ecstasy 

That well might banish storm, and care, 

And all the world beside. 

As I sit musing in the firelight, 

I see thee once again as when I saw thee last; 

Thy slender figure, tall, yet full of grace. 

And with that nameless charm that marked thee one 

Of nature's noblemen; thy broad, pure brow, 

And thy dear soul-lit eyes gazing in mine 

As we clasped hands for that last parting. 

Then the thought picture changes, and I see 

Thee stretched at length upon the dear old couch. 



128 



TO HARRY I I I 



And I beside thee, sitting, book in hand, 

Reading or talking as the spirit moved. 

Ah ! who can measure with a vahie true 

The worth of such communing, when each soul 

Gives its best, and reaches toward the infinite 

With all the strength it has ! 

O h'iend, dear friend, my heart cries out for thee! 

Canst thou not answer from the spirit world? 

They say that thou art dead ; but, while the temple 

Where thy radiant spirit dwelt hast turned 

To ashes, thou, thyself, art living in 

That grander, truer life, for which thy spirit longed. 

O our Father, hush with *'Thy Peace, be still,'* 

My troubled spirit; let me not mourn my 

Vanished friend, but sit with thankful heart. 

Counting the blessings of our freindship o'er. 

And knowing all is well. 



I I j A SECRET REVEALED 



129 



A Secret Revealed 

T HAVE learned a great secret, my sweetheart, 

A secret I long to tell you ; 
It was caught from old Winter this morning, 
And he says the secret is true. 

As you know weVe been taught from our childhood 

That Spring is a lover most sweet, 
And that Summer's bright charms are enticing, 

Luring all to fall at her feet. 

But old Winter was said to be heartless. 

Too selfish to know aught of bliss. 
But to revel in harsh, bitter coldness, 

And give but the Judas-like kiss. 

But 'tis false every word of the slander. 

And I'm glad that I know the whole truth; 

He's a genuine, true-hearted lover, 
With the grace and abandon of youth. 

Do you still doubt the truth of this, darling P 
Then come take a walk by my side, • 



130 



A SECRET REVEALED 



For the earth is transfigured with beauty, 

Old Winter's fair gift to his bride. 
As you walk 'neath the trees clothed in vestments 

Of fairylike splendor and light, 
Or gaze down the marvelous vistas 

Till they end in dim, misty white — 

You will think of the city celestial, 

The city where purity dwells. 
Or of fairyland draped all in whiteness 

For the bridal of the queen of the elves. 

And you'll know that 'tis only love's magic 
Can transform the world to our sight. 

Can impart all this wonderful beauty. 
Only love with its marvelous might. 

Does the secret bring pleasure to you, dear. 
To know the whole earth's of one kin. 

To know that e'en Winter's a lover? 
A lover like us, dear, I ween. 



I I I TILLA I I'm] 



Tilla 

TT AVE you seen my Tilla with eyes of brown, 
^ With her girlish figure and soft white gown? 

Have you felt the charm of her winsome grace, 
Or basked in the light from her love lit face? 

Gaze ever so deep in those eyes of brown, 
And you'll find no hate their light to drown; 

But the shining depths of a perfect love 
That reaches from earth to the heights above. 

Like a sparkling fountain whose waters clear 
Refresh the thirsty, the fainting cheer. 

So lives my Tilla from day to day 

And scatters her sweetness along life's way. 

Yet she knows no loss, for her source lies deep 
In the secret place which our God doth keep ; 

And from His treasures she scatters free 
Life's sweetest blessings to you and me. 



132 L O V E ' S S O N G 



Love's Song 

** Perfect love casteth out fear" 

/^^ LAD to you I pour my song, 

^^ Lover mine; 

Banished are my dreams of wrong, 

Lover mine; 
For the light of dawning day 
Clears the shadows from my way. 
And my heart beats light and gay. 

Lover mine. 

You are free to come and go, 

Lover mine; 
Loyal is your heart, I know. 

Lover mine; 
Like a bird on tireless wing 
You must ever mount and sing, 
Let each day a new joy bring, 

Lover mine. 

And I, too, will know the joy, 

Lover mine; 
Of a love without alloy, 

Lover mine; 



I I I LOVE'SSQNG | [ 133 

Fear is useless in the quest 
For the highest peace and rest; 
Freedom surely is the best, 
Lover mine. 

And our hearts can know no loss, 

Lover mine; 
Purged from fear's unholy dross. 

Lover mine; 
But like children in our glee, 
We will wander glad and free 
In this cosmic jubilee, 

Lover mine. 



134 



LOVERS COMING | | | 



Love's Coming 

T ONG I watched and waited for his coming, 
-*-^ Scanning each face with eager, searching eyes, 
Hoping each day to find my own true love. 
Men came and went. Some quickly left my side, 
While others lingered for a little space 
Till I in wonder questioned, **Is it he ?" 
Their beauty I admired, and their strength ; 
Their words of love were sweet, their charm made 

glad; 
Sometimes I thought, '*Oh! surely this is he;'* 
But when I looked more closely, strange they seemed. 
And a voice whispered, *'No! not yet, not yet." 
Watching and waiting thus my hope grew faint; 
I steeled myself to walk this earth alone. 
Giving what cheer I could from day to day 
To those I met in this strange pilgrimage. 
And then one day my eyes gazed deep in eyes 
As eager as my own, and hand clasped hand 
In friendly comradeship and helpfulness. 
The eyes were laughing, earnest, clear, and true. 
And spoke of things of which my heart had dreamed ; 



I I I LOVE'SCQMI N^ 



135 



They held me spellbound, and the magic grew, 

For each to each the other mirrored back 

All aspirations and all hopes and fears. 

In wonder spoke the man, **This is not love, 

But I have found a comrade, stanch and true." 

We laughed like happy children in our joy, 

So lonely had we been in days gone by, 

And then he drew me close, his Hps on mine, 

Rejoicing that his presence made me glad. 

We worked, and talked, and played or took sweet 

rest. 
Enfolded close within each other's arms. 
Still, still, the wonder grew, for mood matched 

mood. 
Until not two there seemed, but only one, 
And that a self so free, and glad, and grand. 
That what we thought we were was lost to view. 
** You are not different from me," spoke the man, 
** And I am more myself than I had thought, 
Yet you are you, and princess though you are, 
You seem so much myself that only now 
Am I complete in manhood and in power. 
So strange it is, what can the wonder mean?" 
Then a sweet presence folded us about, 
Hushing our hearts to silence by its touch 



136 



LOVE'S COMING 



And breathing words like music in our ears. 
**I am the one you both so long have sought; 
Do you not know me, now that I am here?'* 
Held close in this embrace, our hearts on fire, 
Deep, deep we gazed into each other's eyes, 
Then with one breath we murmured, ** It is love." 



□ 



TRUE FORGIVE iN[ ESS 



137 



True Forgiveness 

A CROSS the dreary silence of the years 
^ ^ Rings still your cry, *' Forgive me, oh! forgive 

me." 
Would that my .heart your heart had fathomed, 

dear, 
For then less bitter had our parting been. 
But heart and pride were wounded to the quick 
And would not let me grant your tearful prayer. 
Oh! I was blind with sudden, scorching pain, 
And could not see that that which hurt me so 
Was but the protest of your woman's heart. 
Wrestling with problems old as life itself, 
And crying out in anguish at its lot. 
So, dear, 'tis not forgiveness that I grant. 
But understanding, which is better far. 
For in its light my pride dissolved away 
And the fierce sting of pain was changed to peace. 
The past is past and cannot be recalled; 
But for love's sake let us forget the pain. 
Remembering only that great joy was ours. 



138 



MAY WE BE WORTHY 



May We Be Worthy! 

T X T'HAT do I see in you, my well beloved, 
^ ^ That I should cling so close with murmured 

word 
Of, **Love, I love you, dear,'* said o*er and o'er? 
What power do I feel that bends my will 
In glad submission to your lightest wish, 
Though strong and independent toward the world? 
What have I found in you that, like a charm 
Seems to hold captive ear, and eye, and thought. 
And makes the freeborn woman glad to serve? 
I seem so strong to you, and yet I cling; 
So frank and independent, yet so meek; 
So free and poised, yet bound so close to you 
That wonder mingles in your heart with love. 
Look in my eyes and see the light shine back 
That mirrors soul in soul, in perfect bliss. 
'Tis love that holds me captive, makes me serve. 
To love I cling and glory in its power. 
And while I find in you this love supreme, 
I cannot choose but yield the homage due. 
'Tis yours, 'tis mine, this wondrous shining thing. 
May we be worthy of the royal gift. 



LET YOUR SOUL ANSWER 



139 



Let Your Soul Answer 

]^TAY, touch me not, but let my soul now speak, 

^ ^ And let me question if this thing be love 

That comes with mighty force, threatening to sweep 

All bonds and barriers down, as they were straws 

Within a torrent's grasp. 

You say you love me, and you draw me close 

With your strong arms until I catch my breath 

And try to still the tumult in my heart. 

Which is half fear and half a strange delight. 

But is this, is this love? 

The careless child declares he loves the flowers. 

And gathers them to let them fade and die; 

The gardener cherishes with utmost care 

That each one may fulfill its perfect life. 

Which one more truly loves? 

Is not the child's love simply for himself. 

And his own careless pleasure of the hour? 

Do you then love me, as you do yourself. 

With love that would protect and cherish me. 

With love that loves to bless? 

My heart is loving, and I would be loved. 



140 



LET YOUR SOUL ANSWER 



But from that blighting thing of fierce desire 
That snatches at a life, careless its fate, 
May God protect me as I would the flowers. 
Do you then truly love? 



THE ONLY ONE 



141 



The 0?tly One? 

" Bless you, so rich a love as yours should flow to every 
corner of the earth, for it doeth good like medicine" 

T F a lighthouse were erected, 

^ Great and wondrous, in the land, 

Filling all the earth with brightness, 

Shedding joy on every hand, 
And but one of all earth's children, 

Knew the secret of that light. 
Loved the care, and deftly tended 

That its beams spread clear and bright; 
Then suppose the light were living. 

Conscious of the tender care. 
And 'twere bliss to shine with splendor 

Shedding light so soft and rare. 
Though for all it shone in gladness, 

Holding back its rays from none, 
Would not he who safely tended 

Be for it the '*only one'*? 



I 142 I I LOVERS CONSECRATION | | ^| 



l^ove s Consecration 

TTUMBLY, upon my knees, with head bent low, 
^ ■*' I pray thy presence, O Thou Lord of light; 

Oh! consecrate me with Thy chrismal rite 
To this new life, that I may worthier grow 
The priceless blessing I have come to know. 

Keep me, oh! keep me with Thy matchless 
might 

In Thy most holy place of peace and right. 
That I, in giving love, may Thee bestow. 

I had not thought that so my love would come, 

Bowing my willful spirit in the dust, 
And striking all unworthy passions dumb. 

But God is merciful, and ever just. 
And, giving me of earthly bliss the sum. 

He gave the heart that would be worthy trust. 



DO I LOVE YOU I I 143 1 



Do I Love You? 

T^O I love you? What a question, 
^^^ When my arms are round you thrown, 
When my lips to yours are clinging. 
When our very souls are singing 
The glad song to love made known. 

Do you say the words are music, 

Sweetest ever heard by you? 

Then I'll tell you now and ever, 
That no power our love can sever. 

If we hold it high and true. 

Do I love you? O my darling, 

Tongue alone can never tell, 

But your answer you are reading, 
To your tender, trustful pleading. 

And you know that all is well. 

For I love you, oh ! I love you 

Till my being thrills and glows 

With your tender, sweet caressing, 
That is heaven's sweetest blessing, 

As a lover surely knows. 



144 



DO I LOVE YOU 



So, my darling, draw me closer, 
Closer still to your dear breast, 
As a symbol of the blending 
Of our lives in love unending, 
That will make us truly blessed. 



QUEEN OF THE ROSES | 1 145 



iitieen of the Roses 

'VrOU are queen of the roses, and so to you 
I send your subjects with love most true; 

They will own their sovereign and tribute pay 
Of sweetest perfume to bless your way; 

The velvety softness of your dear cheek 

They would say is their rival, if they could speak. 

And the charm of the roses I find in your eyes, 
A charm that is lasting, while theirs soon dies. 

And your spirit so loving, and heart so true, 
Is sweeter than roses, wet with dew. 

May sunshine, and showers, and loving care 
Be the meed of my queen of the roses fair. 



146 



TO GERTRUDE 



To Gertrude 

T HAVE loves, yes half a score, 
^ And perhaps as many more, 

For my heart is large and tender, don't you see? 
And I cannot wish them less, 
For the truth I will confess 

That my sweethearts bring rich treasures unto me. 

There is one with dusky hair. 
With a nature rich and rare. 

And no one her worth can ever fully tell; 
For her heart with love is light. 
And her eyes are dark as night, 

But the brightness of the stars is there as well. 

In her love there's no alloy, 
So her presence brings us joy, 

When her cheery smile and voice we see and hear. 
May the blessings that are meet 
Fall in showers at her feet, 

Is the earnest wish of one who holds her dear. 



TO MY MATE 1 147 



To My Mate 

' I ''HE bird who listens waiting 

For the first note of her mate, 
As home returning to his love 

He hastens soon or late, 
Scarce feels the thrill of holy joy 

That trembles through my breast, 
When I hear the gladsome voice of one 

Dearer than all the rest. 



Oh! for the perfect freedom 

Of the birds to fly and sing, 
We'd make the woods, and hills, and vales. 

With our heavenly music ring; 
Or we'd nestle down in our sweet content 

When the tender night dews fall. 
And dream of life, and peace, and love, 

Till the morning light should call. 

But, my love, we will love with a love as true 
Though less freedom may be ours, 



Ili^ 



TO MY MATE 



And our hearts will sing a glad refrain, 

That will make life bright and banish pain^ 

And bring to us life' s greatest gain, 
Increasing all our powers. 

For love is love the wide world o'er, 

True love, like yours and mine, 
'Tis love that brings the flowers to light, 

'Tis love that makes all pathways bright, 
The whole world feels its magic might. 
For its essence is divine. 



I ^1 I LOVERS DEMAND 



149 



Love's Demand 

/^^OME, love, oh! come, I will not be denied. 

^^ This is no cry of pleading, or of pain. 

But the soul's royal right to have her own. 

A glimpse, a word, a passing touch of hands. 

One clinging kiss, and then a quick adieu. 

And now the lengthening miles lie stretched between. 

Not even one short hour, the world shut out. 

To live in earth's best heaven, each other's arms. 

My heart, impatient, still demands her own. 

And all my conscious being says amen. 

If time and space are naught, as v/ise men say, 

And omnipresent mind is all there is. 

You hear my call, and answer it you must. 

For are you not my soul's own counterpart? 

Come, I am waiting — tarry not, my love. 

Come, and my rapturous cry of welcome 

Will be hushed in perfect satisfaction. 

For love alone, this world of ours exists; 

For love alone, we work, and strive, and pray ! 

It is the one great power, supreme, complete. 

Hear you the bidding? Tarry not — I wait. 



150 



THE MYSTIC TIE 



7he Mystic Tie 

^ I ^HOUGH years speed swiftly and more swiftly 

^ by, 
And men and women come and quickly go 
Like moving pictures, taking scarce a thought, 
Still here and there a face, a form, stands out 
Living and vital, and undimmed by time. 
Why it is so I cannot tell, nor you; 
We only know of life's strange emphasis. 
I have in mind a day, now years gone by, 
A bitter winter's day for travelling. 
When, wrapped in happy mood, with book in hand, 
Litent on mastering the helpful page, 
I chanced to raise my eyes, and met the gaze 
Of one who wrought this curious magic, 
A gentleman and scholar without doubt. 
1 have met others, but they are forgot; 
Eyes clear and brown, and saying many things; 
Yet there are other eyes as bright as his 
That not a second thought have won from me. 
We were not strangers, though we then first met. 
So talked of books and life with perfect ease. 
How strange it is, and what do such things mean ? 



THE MYSTIC TIE 





151 



But ever when the year brings round the day, 
This vivid picture comes and haunts me still ; 
Does he remember, too, and wish, and sigh? 
It is not likely, mid life's busy whirl. 
But I am glad we met; and this is true, 
Remembered or forgotten, still I pray 
That God make rich with blessings all his days. 



~152\ I TO MAUDE ~| | | 



To Maude 

CHALL I tell you of my love? 
^ Oh! she's tender as a dove, 
And her eyes are large and brown, 
And her hair's a radiant crown, 
And her name? 

Why, her name 
Is little Maude. 

She's as winsome as can be. 
But at times I'm all at sea 
With her teasing and her joking. 
Of the fear she has of yoking. 
So at times. 

Yes, at times. 

She's naughty Maude. 

But her kisses are so sweet 
That I know they can't be beat. 
And her form is like a fairy, 
And her step is light and airy, 
And her name? 
Oh! her name 

Is darling Maude. 



I I I TO MAUDE ~| 1 153 

She is loving too, the dear, 
And no terrors now I fear. 
For she's promised to be mine 
From the present for all time, 
And her name? 
Oh! her name 

Is precious Maude. 



154 



A CHANGELING 



A Changeling 

^"T^HOU child of the Spirit, whence came thou 

-■- to-day, 
And why dost thou pause at my side, now I pray, 
To vanish like sunshine in storm clouds of May? 

A changeling thou art in thy moods manifold. 
As daemon of laughter thou' It capture and hold 
The mirth loving hearts of the young and the old. 

Then swift as the lightning, the rapt saint appears 
With message of love that may vanquish our fears, 
And heal our sick hearts with their burden of tears. 

Or, see, the avenger hath paused at our side. 
With scourge like the master's from which none 

may hide. 
And the quivering heart hath gone down in its pride. 

Then, strangest of all, when this mystical sprite, 
With clinging love touches, and eyes all alight, 
Showers kisses upon me in rapturous delight. 

Thou child of the Spirit, unfettered and free. 
My blessing is always and ever with thee, 
As thy presence is ever a rapture to me. 



FRIENDSHIP 



Friendship 

A T my side with softly shining eyes, stands one 
^ ^ With proffered hand, asking for friendship. 
His presence gives me joy and comfort sweet, 
And stills the restless seeking of my heart. 
But will this always last, or quickly fade. 
As fades the rainbow promise from the skies? 
How can I answer when I do not know 
What friendship means to him, and can he tell? 
These hearts of ours are such strange, wayward 

things. 
And ofttimes promise what they scarce fulfill. 
But if I thought that he could give to me 
The help and cheer my heart so strongly craves, 
How gladly v/ould I take his outstretched hand, 
And give that friendship true that lasts for aye. 
Come, tell me, friend, what is your wish? If it 
Be only for some beauteous bower 
Where we may while away the passing hours 
In sweet caressing, then we must surely part. 
For dear as your bright presence is to me, 
I may not linger, for my path lies yonder, 



156 



FRIENDSHIP 



□ 



Up the mountain side, and I must journey on; 

But if you so desire, why, take my hand 

And dimb with me toward yonder sun-kissed 

height. 
And though our way be rough and steep at times. 
We'll cheer each other on with loving word, 
Or smooth each other's pathway when we can; 
Then will the way seem shorter and more fair, 
If brightened by the sunshine of sweet love; 
And may we by our comradeship gain strength 
To aid the tired travelers that we meet; 
To give the cup of water or the crust, 
Or let our wealth of sunny love How out 
To other starving hearts in their great need; 
Then will we both be stronger for this bond. 
And sooner reach the hdghts that all men seek. 



[ I THE JEWEL I [is^ 



The Jewel 

T ET us forget the past, 

^-^ The bitter and the sweet, 

For it is meet 

That in one grave they lie — 

This wedded pair of ecstasy and grief. 

Forget the kiss, the touch, the word 

That thrilled with joy, — 

The bitter tears, the pain, the severing knife. 

For either brought to mind makes hell of life. 

Let us forget it all, that peace may come 

And pour the oil of healing o'er our hearts. 

One memory, only, let us still retain, — 

A jewel far too rare to cast away, 

And in itself so pure that unconsumed, 

It passed through heaven and hell. 

And yet abides to shed its light and blessing 

On our way. 

So come what may, we will remember still 

That we are friends. 



158 



PASSION — FRIENDSHIP 



Passion — Friendship 

* I ''HE leaping flame of passion in whose light 
^ We saw each other and drew near, most near, 
So filled with ecstasy we knew no fear. 

Has burned itself away and it is night; 

And we are terror stricken by the blight 

That leaves our world so lonely and so drear, 
And robs the future of its hope and cheer 

By waning of that flame so fierce and bright. 

But there are embers left that with great care 
Can kindled be by breath of honest word; 
And though less brilliant than the flame that 
stirred 
Our hearts to rapture in those days so fair. 
Still friendship, pure and sweet, is far more rare, 
And great the blessings by its light conferred. 



AMAYDAY MELODY 



159 



A May Day Melody 

AX HATCHING the robins, I wait for his coming, 
^ Wait for the coming of him I love best, 

For in his message he said, with their nesting, 
He'd clasp me, his darling, once more to his breast. 

He's coming! He's coming! My heart sings the 
measure. 
With rollicking love songs, the birds sing it too; 
The joy of the springtime is one to all lovers. 

And the birds feel the kinship of hearts that are 
true. 

The blossoms smile back with their sweet little faces, 
They, too, know my secret and feel my delight. 

Was ever a May time so filled with love's magic? 
Was ever the world so transcendently bright? 

He's coming! He's coming! O robin, build 
faster ! 
Yes, hasten the time till my darling draws near; 
Then let him but stay and all time will be May 
time, — 
O robin! He's coming, my sweetheart is here. 



A LETTER 



A Letter 

T'M lonely, lover mine, and want you here, 
^ My ears are hungry for your happy laugh, 
The world seems empty when you are away, 
And nothing quite worth while you do not share. 
A few short months ago we scarce had met. 
But now it seems as though such time ne'er was. 
But that together, hand in hand, we've walked 
Adown the ages since the world began. 
We've found each other and can aught divide, 
Or cause our feet to walk in separate paths? 
We cannot answer this — life only knows. 
I only know I crave the best for you. 
If this means separation — well, and good, — 
I'll pray God's richest blessings crown your life; 
But what has He to give that can outweigh 
The wondrous gift of love from a pure heart? 
Does not such love contain the all of life. 
The substance out of which the rest is wrought, 
The inspiration, and reward as well. 
The source of courage and the will to do? 



A LETTER 



161 



Without it can success be said to be? 

With it can failure possibly exist? 

O love! let us rejoice, and sing glad songs 

In recognition of this heaven-sent joy. 

Your tender touch and loving kiss have power 

To stir love's fire into living flame, 

But deeper, subtler, and diviner still, 

Our souls* communion as we reach toward God. 

Will not His blessing rest upon us then. 

And guide us all our days in paths of peace? 

Ah! love, we'll trust, for surely all is well. 



162 





SO COMES MY LOVE 



So Comes My Love 

T IKE perfume from garden of roses, 
^^-^ Like the song of a bird, wild and free. 
Like the sparkle of waves in the sunshine. 
Comes the heart of my lover to me. 

The roses say naught of acceptance, 
They make no demand ere they give, 

But their love in it own sweet perfection 
Is the heart of the life that they live. 

The bird, as it soars in its rapture. 
Asks not who will hear when it sings, 

But the bliss of its heart is outpouring 
With the freedom that only love brings. 

The waves as they dance in the sunshine. 

Laugh back at the smile of the sun ; 
They sparkle and gleam in their gladness 

From morn till the bright day is done. 

And my love, in her lovers rare completeness. 
Breathes perfume more sweet than the rose. 

So filled with the masterful passion. 
That only its presence she knows. 



so COMES MY LOVE 163 



The rose, and the bird, and the water. 
In their natures so perfect and free, 

Do symbol but faintly the rapture 
The heart of my love brings to me. 



164 



BIRTHDAY SONG 



Birthday Song 

QING, sing, happy birds, till the flowers awaken 
^ And hold up their heads in the soft morning 

light; 
Sing, sing till they thrill with the rapture of loving. 
And yield the sweet perfume they won from the 
night. 

Let bees, birds, and flowers all vie with each other 
In rivalry sweet to make glad this bright day. 

This birthday of one whom I love to call sweetheart, 
Whose presence illumines and blesses my way. 

Come, come, all good fairies, who watch over mortals, 
And bring your rich treasures to pour at his feet, 

There's nothing you have that*s too good for my 
darling. 
So crown all his life with love's presence so sweet; 

Yet more, even more, do I crave for my loved one, 
Than treasures that nature or fairies can bring. 

May the Father of all bless and keep him in safety, 
And give him those riches that never take wing. 



ENFOLD MEIN THYARMS 





165 



Enfold Me in Thy Arms 

T OVE, I am weary, heartsick, sore afraid, 
-*"^ Depressed, yet knowing no sufficient cause. 
Enfold me in thy arms, so close, so close; 
Breathe on me with thy love till I forget 
Time, space, the world, and all corroding cares. 
Yea, tin the spirit mounts up free and strong, 
And knows no me, and thee, but only love. 
Our hearts In union so supreme and pure. 
Soar up to heights where God Is all there Is; 
My love, my God, myself, all fused In one. 
In light supernal — ecstasy complete. 

Thank God for love; through It alone we live. 
Its light hath banished all my grewsome fears; 
Its presence Is the peace that Is my rest, 
While through my mind and body thrills the joy 
That gives me courage for the work of life. 
Thou God art love, let me abide in Thee. 



I 166 I I LIFE AND LOVE | | | 

I^ife a7td Love 

1\ /TY friend, why are you sad, and what is wrong, 

•^ ^ That you should meet my glance so coldly? 

Are we not friends? And what is friendship worth 

If, when the path of life seems bleak and rough. 

We may not aid each other? 

You say that life is hard and cruel. 

And that nature tortures us with strong desires 

That take a will of steel to hold in check. 

Or plunge us into ruin if we yield. 

And so you say that you would kill desire? 

Nay, nay, my friend, for that would be to nip 

Our powers in the bud; much better 'tis 

To let them do the work for them designed 

And grow to perfect flowers; for with good care 

They in the end will yield us precious fruit. 

The strong desire for love, what treasures vast it 

brings; for 
O love ! sweet love ! thou art indeed divine. 
Without thee, life is nothing but a bleak. 
Bare, wilderness, from which we shrink aghast; 
But round thy feet spring blossoms bright with 

beauty, 



LIFE AND LOVE 



167 



And with thy presence comes a holy light 

Where gloom had been before. Surely, my friend, 

You would not, if you could, repress or kill 

The longing for this heavenly visitant? 

What is't you say? That love brings pain and 

wrong 
More surely than aught else? That it wrings the 
Heart, and makes one's life a constant battle? 
That it oft comes where but to know its presence 
Is a sin, and where around its feet spring thorns 
Instead of blossoms, bringing a deeper gloom 
And striking terror to the bravest heart? 
Ah! 'tis not the love, but what is done with love. 
That brings the wrong and trouble. Love may 

come 
Where we no freedom have to join our loved 
One for the walk of life. What can be done? 
There are three ways, my friend, open to all 
At this important crisis of our lives. 
And upon our choice depends not only 
Our own best welfare, but the happiness 
Of those with whom our lives are linked. 
If at this point, we counsel not with wisdom. 
But give the steed of passion fullest rein. 
And with no thought but to be with the loved one, 
Heedless of all others, then we start upon 



168 



LIFE AND LOVE 



What seems the only path to us in this, 

Our blindness. With what result, you ask me? 

That if not unto destruction quickly dashed 

By rocks and pitfalls that beset our way. 

We still are injured, and have injured others, 

Since no one stands or falls unto himself. 

If, instead of reckless courage, caution 

Has been our guide, then with quick eye we see 

The dangers that beset the path of reckless love. 

And fear then grows apace. We counsel with 

Our fear, and soon believe that this which urges 

Toward such reckless course must be an evil thing. 

And we will kill it and be free once more. 

At this point, then, we start upon the cold. 

Bleak path trodden by many who esteem 

Themselves most pure and holy. Monks and nuns 

Are of this class, and so are countless others; 

They crush, repress, and starve their great love 

nature. 
Calling it evil, till all beauty dies 
From out their lives, and they live on, narrow 
And selfish to the bitter end. But, dear heart. 
If we are true and brave, there is another 
Path that we may take, higher and brighter 
Than the other two, and reaching up to 
Heights supernal. Is it too high and steep 



I I I LIFE AND LOVE 



169 



For us to tread? Nay, we are safe to go 

Where love shall lead, if, as a constant counselor, 

We take that gentle guide which beckons us 

To come that way, for that bright spirit's name 

Is wisdom, and to listen to his counsels 

Makes us blessed indeed. As we journey on 

With love and wisdom ever at our side. 

Or gliding just before us on our way, 

New beauties will unfold, and a glad sense 

Of freedom sweep through our joyous being, 

We shall learn that to gain love, we must give — 

And not to one alone, but unto all 

With whom our lives are thrown. That if we wish 

To gather sweetest blossoms day by day. 

That none must trampled be ' neath careless feet. 

Oh! blessed are the lessons that we learn. 

And brighter grows the path as on we fare. 

Look at the little child so full of life. 

So restless, and if not wisely guided. 

Filling the days with mischievous activity. 

What is it drives him on.^ What but creative 

Force seeking an outlet? You see, my dear. 

We must have patience with ourselves as well 

As with our friends, for there are wondrous powers 

Vested in us that, rightly used, will make 

Life beautiful. So trust in the Highest, 



170 



LIFE AND LOVE 



□ 



Knowing all love's divine, if used divinely, 
For I claim we have a right to all the love 
That life can bring us, if we hold it as 
A sacred trust, and bless, not burden others. 
What say you, friend? Are you not comforted? 



I I I THE WEDDING DAY^ 



171 



The Wedding Day 

TX ^E two have chosen each the other, dear, 

From all the world, to walk with side by side; 
We each will give the other help and cheer 
And in our strong, sweet comradeship abide. 

Just loyal comrades, with the added charm 
That we call love, but fail to understand; 

Yet, trusted, it will shield from every harm 
And fill our lives with music, sweet and grand. 

So, sweetheart, come, our paths to-day unite. 
And glad we are to journey side by side; 

Our strong hearts do not fear the mountain height, 
For love's own self will be our constant guide. 



172 





A SINGING BIRD 



A Singing Bird 

^ I ''HERE'S a singing bird in my heart to-day, 
^ And it sings of you, and our love alway. 

My heart is athrill 

With its magic trill 
While the world seems beautiful, bright, and gay. 

And never on land, and never on sea 
Shone a light so fair, shone a light so free; 

From eyes that are bright 

With the sweet love light 
There comes a shining that's heaven to me. 

The light with its shining so soft and clear, 
The bird with its rapture that knows no fear, 

The exquisite joy 

Too pure for alloy 
You brought to my heart with your love, my dear. 



FALSE— HIS CRY, HER PLEA | | 173 | 



False— His Cry^ Her Plea 

''Some said, 'John, print it;* others said, 'not so.' 
Some said, 'It might do good;' others said, 'no.'" 

John Bunyan 

IV/fY sunny friend had sat in silence long, 

Forgetful where he was, and sad of face. 
At last, as friend, I questioned what was wrong, 
And could I help to clear the clouds away. 
**No, dear," he answered, **'tis a friend I love 
Whose suffering makes me sad, and none can aid; 
He is a great, big-hearted, loving man. 
Who wed in youth a shallow, pretty girl — 
One cold as are the pictures on the wall. 
He lived for years a sad and lonely life, 
And then one day a woman crossed his path — 
One made to love, and with that gift so rare 
Of being a good comrade to the man 
Who wins her heart, and keeps her by his side; 
To see each other was to know and love, 
And yield at last to that sweet comradeship. 
Now comes the thing I do not understand; 
My friend has found his love has been untrue, 
Yet will not let her know for fear they part, 



174 



FALSE — HIS CRY, HER PLEA 



□ 



And that he cannot stand and still live on. 

It is so strange, so strange, for I am sure 

She loved him in the past, as he loved her." 

My friend ended the story with a sigh, 

And though our talk then turned to brighter things. 

What I had heard burned in my heart until 

I let my heart enter the heart of each 

And, feeling all their pain, voice first his cry, 

And then her anguished plea. 



** O God, if God there be, sustain me now; 
The world is slipping underneath my feet. 
While all things reel and swim in chaos wild. 
False ! my beloved, she I loved so well — 
My beauteous one, my darling, and my pride; 
I would have sworn by all the stars above 
That she was true to me — aye, true as steel. 
Had not the proof been plain. God ! how I loved 

her — 
How I love her now, for all the rootlets 
Of that tree of life cannot be wrenched from out 
My quivering heart because its pride is fallen. 
O'er my heart comes surging back the memory 
Of the past, with all its heaven of joy; 
1 see again those clear, uplifted eyes, 



FALSE— HIS CRY, HER PLEA 



175 



And feel the tender touch of soft, white arms 
That draw me close in love's divine embrace, 
My being trembles as her lips touch mine, 
And I, a strong man, am her willing slave. 
Such love as this is sacred, though no bond. 
Forged by the law, has placed its seal thereon. 

sweetheart, sweetheart, you were wife to me 
In all except the name, and well you knew 
That had not duty bound with bonds of steel, 

1 had been glad to place you by my side. 
Ought not a strong man's love, so freely given. 
Have held its loved one as its own for aye? 
But was she mine, e'en for a little while? 

Or, was she false, false, in that sweet, glad time 

When first I thought I'd won her? O sad heart. 

Question not this ; she surely loved at first. 

But, being woman, knew not love's great strength, 

And as a silken cord breaks in the hand 

With little jar to those who hold it fast. 

So has her love broken its bonds to lightly 

Pass to others. Not so the cable parts — 

Disaster follows such a shock as that. 

And yet she seemed so strong — so strong and true; 

She greets me still with loving glance and smile. 

With eager hands outstretched to clasp my own; 

She knows not that her secret now is mine. 



176 



FALSE — HIS CRY, HER PLEA | | ^| 



And I will shield her from that knowledge still. 

She is a creature formed for light and warmth, 

And by no word of mine shall shadows fall — 

I will protect — O heart, be honest; 

Hide not from your own self the wretched truth; 

You know that while the cup this woman holds 

To your fond lips, is tinctured with the gall 

Of knowing her untrue, you still must drink, 

For is she not your life, your all in all? 

While this same cup, though poisoned through and 

through. 
Contains such nectar as the gods might quaff. 
Break not, my heart, but bear you bravely up, 
And when you look upon her beauty rare. 
Or clasp her willing form in love's embrace. 
Let not the thought that other eyes have gazed 
Upon those charms, and other arms folded her close. 
Drive reason from her throne, or take your life; 
O love, my love, would God that you were true!** 



**How kind he was to-night, so kind and good; 
And yet this haunting heaviness of heart 
Tells me he was not happy, though his laugh 
Rang clear at times, and though he smiled full oft, 
Yet even when he smiled there seemed to dwell 



I I I FALSE — HIS CRY, HER PLEA 



177 



Back of those windows of his soul a sad 

And lonely spirit, that gazed out in grief, 

As if on joys it knew were not its own. 

Oh! can it be he doubts my love for him? 

A love that almost takes my very life ! 

He shuddered once when I crept close to him, 

Nestling against his heart in the old way 

He seemed to love so well, and, questioning him. 

He answered with a laugh, * Your touch, my love. 

Doth always thrill me so.' I let it pass 

With scarce a thought save joy in this strange power; 

But now that shudder haunts me with a dread. 

Nameless, yet deep. What is it that I fear? 

I know, I know, my heart, I fear he'll gain 

A knowledge that will send him from my side; 

Or, bitterer still, will take the love I give, 

Believing it all false. What can I do! 

Could he believe that other men have won from me 

That sweet abandon that is his delight? 

Why have I played at love with lesser men 

When all my heart was his? Oh! woe is me. 

Why, save that my heart cried out for him. 

Making me wild and restless; and as a man 

Turns from his pain to wine, so have I sought 

In other men relief from lonely hours; 

And should he know, could he afford to scorn 



178 



FALSE 



Such love as I can give? Why, I love more 

In one brief moment than his doll-faced wife, 

And all her ilk, could in a hundred years. 

He does not dream how hard the woman's part 

To stand, and wait, and take but what is given, 

Though her whole being thrills with restless life; 

Then comes the bitter questioning that creeps in. 

Whether I am to him his life, his love. 

Or but the plaything of an idle hour. 

He says he loves me better than his Hfe; 

That I give zest to all ; that at my touch 

His brain grows clear, his strength renews itself, 

That through this blessing he attains success. 

But what am I, who share not in this gain 

Save as a looker on. I'm neither wife, 

Nor mistress, as the world accepts the term. 

Sweetheart's a precious name, but oh! my heart 

Cries out for that of wife and mother. 

I do not pain him with this useless cry. 

But hide my grief and give him smiles instead. 

He could make fuller, richer all my life 

Would he but give one half the thought to it 

He gives to lesser things of little worth. 

So easy 'tis for man to say—* I love you,' 

Taking the best a woman has to give. 

Body and soul, and then pass on his way, 



FALSE— HIS CRY, HER PLEA 



179 



Smiling, to think how credulous she was. 
O haunting demon of my woman's heart! 
O damning doubt that drives me to despair, 
Making me reckless with this frenzied pain. 
O God ! O God ! if he should learn the truth — 
No, no, 'tis not the truth I fear so much 
As partial knowledge of my wayward life. 
Making my love seeiA void and false to him — 
This love which overwhelms me with its weight. 
If he but loves with half this lavish wealth, 
And knew the real truth of my sad life. 
He could forgive — binding my life to his 
With stronger bonds than any forged by law. 
But does he love me — love me as he says? 
If I could know he did, 'twould still at once 
These tempests of my soul, and make me true. 
O God, if I could know! If I could know!" 



180 1 I THE LETTER | | | 



The L.etter 

WAITING for the postman! 
Will he call to-day? 
See ! he now is stopping 

Just across the way; 
My heart is wildly beating, 

My breath comes quick and fast, 
His foot is on the doorstep, 

The bell is rung at last. 
Swift fly my eager footsteps, 

Has he brought the one? 
I find my longed for treasure, 

And to my haven run ; 
Hugged close in perfect rapture, 

Pressed then to lips and brow, 
A princess in her kingdom 

Might envy me just now. 
I read, reread each sentence, 

Words living as a kiss, 
I sigh in satisfaction, 

I revel in my bliss. 
My precious, precious treasure. 

From you I cannot part, 
ril let you sofdy nestle 

Against my loving heart. 



I I I A VALENTINE TO LOVE 





181 



A Valentine to Love 

TTOW beautiful thou art, O love! 

^ ^ Would that the time might come, and quickly 

come 
When, all unveiled, thou wouldst abide with me. 
Thou dost not leave me long 
Else would I perish with the dark and cold ; 
And oft, indeed, when far away thou seemest, 
Thy beauteous presence is revealed to me 
By word of kindly stranger, 
Or the soft shining of a baby's eyes. 
When thou approaches! with a lover's kiss. 
And strong arms clasp me close. 
Thy presence is an ecstasy of bliss 
That makes the world seem naught — 
All else forgotten, for the one is all; 
Then in the quiet, after some great storm, 
When fear and anger have been stilled to peace, 
Thy presence steals upon me, and I see 
That all are one ; all, all are one with thee. 
These are the moments when thou art revealed 
In thy full splendor, majesty, and truth. 



182 



A VALENTINETO LOVE ^| | | 



Why do these times of vision pass away? 
Why do I doubt, and fear, and think thee lost? 
Thou art eternal, so am I ; 
And fleeting things of earth shall not deceive, 
Nor make me swerve allegiance to thy power. 
With thy bright presence there is always light; 
Thy touch is warmth, and comfort, and good cheer. 
Hide not from me, but let me take thy hand, 
And know the joy of living day by day. 



NOV 17 1909 



DtC b ,t309 



i 



